India and France discuss nuclear issues

The French defence minister, Alain Richard, says France is looking for signals from India on nuclear non-proliferation which could help open the door to civilian nuclear co-operation.

Mr Richard, who¿s ending two days of talks with Indian leaders in Delhi, said there was agreement that nuclear energy could meet India's large energy needs but that France was prevented from giving nuclear help to countries which were not signatories of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Correspondents say India¿s civilian nuclear industry has made limited progress because of high technology sanctions imposed against Delhi. The Indian defence minister, George Fernandes, said the two countries had discussed Asian defence issues and had agreed to strengthen defence ties.

India is considering buying jet training aircraft from France.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service