NEW DELHI, Nov 26: Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee was quoted as saying on Sunday that New Delhi had no problem with China offering to help Pakistan in civil nuclear energy projects.
NDTV news channel quoted Mr Mukherjee as also saying that China had endorsed the Indo-US civil nuclear deal during the just-concluded visit of President Hu Jintao.
He expressed confidence that Beijing would not obstruct New Delhi’s bid at the Nuclear Suppliers Group when it considered changing the guidelines for allowing the world community to have civil nuclear trade with India.
Mr Mukherjee described President Hu’s visit to Delhi as reasonably satisfactory.
“He indicated that India would have no problems if China has a deal with Pakistan similar to Indo-US agreement,” NDTV said.
Asked if the mention of “international civilian nuclear cooperation should be advanced through innovative and forward-looking approaches” in the joint declaration meant that China has endorsed the Indo-US deal, he said: “China endorsed it.”
Would China not stand in the way of international civilian nuclear cooperation between the NSG and India? Mr Mukherjee said: “I hope so. There is no uncertainty. I hope that they will not come in the way...I am confident.”
