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India, France conclude talks

India and France today concluded the first round of their strategic dialogue, covering a number of issues, including cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.

A statement issued by the external affairs ministry after the conclusion of the talks this evening said, ''There was a convergence of views (between the two sides) on many issues''.

The talks from the Indian side were led by Brajesh Mishra, principal secretary in the external affairs ministry, and the French delegation was headed by Gerard Errera, a professional diplomat and special representative of French President Jacques Chirac.

The foreign ministry statement said the talks also helped the two sides to set out parameters for further dialogue. The next round of talks between the two sides would be held in Paris in January.

Errera, when contacted by reporters after his talks with Mishra this evening, said the dialogue was ''very fruitful and constructive''.

Mishra was non-committal on many of the questions put to him by the reporters. ''We have not asked for anything'', he said.

Asked if there was any discussion on the transfer of civilian nuclear energy by France to India, he said the issue could be discussed if Paris was keen.

The French delegation also met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Defence Minister George Fernandes today.

The external affairs ministry release said the extensive discussions, which were comprehensive and wide-ranging, were extremely useful in the context of the emergence of a multi-polar world order, while respecting the interests and international commitments of both sides.

The issues, which were covered, included non-proliferation and disarmament, role of the United Nations, bilateral cooperation and developments in Europe and South Asia.

The discussions provided an opportunity to both sides to share their assessments and understanding of various contemporary issues of bilateral and multilateral importance.

UNI

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