India and Japan ready to sign civil-nuclear deal
India is ready to seal a civil-nuclear deal and boost trade ties with Japan as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh embarked on the most significant part of his Asia tour that began on Sunday. Though the actual signing of the treaty will take a long time, both New Delhi and Tokyo will be discussing the issue so that it reaches its logical conclusion.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said he would not “force” it on Tokyo as he recognizes its sensitivity on the subject.
However, Dr. Singh said he would like Japanese firms to participate in expansion of India’s nuclear industry.
“We would hope that Japan will be India’s partner in expansion of its civil nuclear industry for peaceful purposes. But I do recognise the sensitivity of the subject in Japan and will not therefore force the issue,” he told a business luncheon meeting here.