Showing posts with label Manmohan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manmohan. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
PM rules out n-material being used for 'unintended purpose'
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday ruled out the possibility of nuclear material or equipment supplied to India under civil nuclear cooperation agreements being used for "any unintended purpose." "Nuclear material supplied to India will be fully safeguarded in terms of agreement signed with IAEA. We have fool-proof system of export controls. "We have complete civilian control and there is no scope whatsoever for any nuclear material or equipment being supplied going for any unintended purpose," Dr Singh told a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart, Mr Stephen Harper after the two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. He was responding to a question whether there were enough safeguards to prevent nuclear material coming to India under such agreements being used for any weapons programme. India already has civil nuclear agreements with eight countries like the US, France and Russia. Replying to questions, Mr Harper said Canada, which had imposed sanctions on India after the Pokhran-I and Pokhran-II atomic tests in 1974 (RPT) 1974 and 1998, cannot live in the past. "In relation to the nuclear cooperation, we have received all the reasons that we were looking. It is a good agreement. We got much more important reasons because we cannot live in the past of 1970s," Mr Harper said. He said India is a "powerhouse that is going to play a very important role in the world. "We are determined to develop cooperation not only for the sake of our industry, but it is also an agreement which is a symbol of our relationship," he said.
Monday, May 24, 2010
PM hints at 10 per cent growth, 5 per cent inflation
Putting inclusive economic growth on top of United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) agenda, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday said his government has set an "achievable" medium-term target of 10 per cent expansion per annum.
"The agenda for our second term seeks to strengthen a pro-people policies and programmes initiated by our government since 2004," the prime minister told journalists
in an opening statement, predicting a 8.5 per cent growth for this fiscal with a target of 10 per cent in the medium term.
This was the first formal press meet to mark his second term as the prime minister of the year-old United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and he answered questions from the national and international media at the Vigyan Bhavan convention centre. The previous one during his first term, which the Prime Minister's Office described as his first national press conference, was organised Sep 4, 2004 at the same venue. According to the Oxford-Cambridge educated economist-prime minister, social and
economic uplift of the mebers of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women will continue to receive priority attention in our plans. He stressed on the need for a rapidly growing economy, which generates productive employment and resources to finance the government's "ambitious" social and economic agenda. "Our medium term target is to achieve a growth rate of 10 per cent per annum. I am
convinced that given our savings and investments rate this is an achievable target," he said. Underlining that the Indian economy had done well in the wake of global recession, the prime minister said his government's first priority was to protect the country's economy
from the global slowdown and ensure momentum of inclusive growth is not interrupted. "Our annual growth rate had averaged nine percent for four years before the crisis. It
reduced to 6.5 percent in 2008-09 and recovered to 7.2 percent in 2009-10. We expect 8.5 per cent in this financial year," he said. "This is widely regarded s one of the best performances among the larger economies of
the world."
"The agenda for our second term seeks to strengthen a pro-people policies and programmes initiated by our government since 2004," the prime minister told journalists
in an opening statement, predicting a 8.5 per cent growth for this fiscal with a target of 10 per cent in the medium term.
This was the first formal press meet to mark his second term as the prime minister of the year-old United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and he answered questions from the national and international media at the Vigyan Bhavan convention centre. The previous one during his first term, which the Prime Minister's Office described as his first national press conference, was organised Sep 4, 2004 at the same venue. According to the Oxford-Cambridge educated economist-prime minister, social and
economic uplift of the mebers of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women will continue to receive priority attention in our plans. He stressed on the need for a rapidly growing economy, which generates productive employment and resources to finance the government's "ambitious" social and economic agenda. "Our medium term target is to achieve a growth rate of 10 per cent per annum. I am
convinced that given our savings and investments rate this is an achievable target," he said. Underlining that the Indian economy had done well in the wake of global recession, the prime minister said his government's first priority was to protect the country's economy
from the global slowdown and ensure momentum of inclusive growth is not interrupted. "Our annual growth rate had averaged nine percent for four years before the crisis. It
reduced to 6.5 percent in 2008-09 and recovered to 7.2 percent in 2009-10. We expect 8.5 per cent in this financial year," he said. "This is widely regarded s one of the best performances among the larger economies of
the world."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Manmohan turns down Jairam’s offer to quit
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh offered to resign following his controversial remarks against Home Ministry for allegedly stalling some Chinese imports but Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has turned it down, PMO sources said on Thursday.
Mr. Ramesh had offered his resignation on Monday night after he had reportedly said in Beijing that the Home Ministry and the security establishment were being “alarmist and paranoid” when it came to Chinese companies wanting to do business in India, raising a storm.
PMO sources said Mr. Ramesh’s offer to put in his papers has been turned down by the Prime Minister.
Strongly disapproving of his remarks, the Prime Minister and the Congress had reprimanded him even as the Opposition BJP had demanded action against him for the “highly objectionable” comments.
Apparently sensing trouble, Mr. Ramesh had tried to clarify his statement in a letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister soon after his return from Beijing on Monday but it failed to cut ice.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram had written a strongly-worded letter to Dr. Singh, expressing unhappiness over his Cabinet colleague’s remarks that his ministry had an “alarmist” approach towards Chinese investments and was putting “needless” restrictions.
After receiving letters from Mr. Chidambaram and Mr. Ramesh, Dr. Singh had spoken to Mr. Ramesh and told him that he should not have commented on functioning of other ministries.
Dr. Singh had told Mr. Ramesh it was “advisable for Cabinet colleagues not to make comments on the functioning of other ministries, especially with regard to relationship with important neighbours like China,” according to PMO sources.
“There is no confusion in our policies towards China and we continue to strive for constructive engagement with Beijing,” Dr. Singh had told Mr. Ramesh.
Mr. Ramesh had yesterday met Mr. Chidambaram and is said to have clarified the context of his statement.
Mr. Ramesh, while talking about the India—China warmth developed during the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, had suggested that the Home Ministry needed to be “much more relaxed” in its approach to Chinese investments in India.
Mr. Ramesh had offered his resignation on Monday night after he had reportedly said in Beijing that the Home Ministry and the security establishment were being “alarmist and paranoid” when it came to Chinese companies wanting to do business in India, raising a storm.
PMO sources said Mr. Ramesh’s offer to put in his papers has been turned down by the Prime Minister.
Strongly disapproving of his remarks, the Prime Minister and the Congress had reprimanded him even as the Opposition BJP had demanded action against him for the “highly objectionable” comments.
Apparently sensing trouble, Mr. Ramesh had tried to clarify his statement in a letter to Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister soon after his return from Beijing on Monday but it failed to cut ice.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram had written a strongly-worded letter to Dr. Singh, expressing unhappiness over his Cabinet colleague’s remarks that his ministry had an “alarmist” approach towards Chinese investments and was putting “needless” restrictions.
After receiving letters from Mr. Chidambaram and Mr. Ramesh, Dr. Singh had spoken to Mr. Ramesh and told him that he should not have commented on functioning of other ministries.
Dr. Singh had told Mr. Ramesh it was “advisable for Cabinet colleagues not to make comments on the functioning of other ministries, especially with regard to relationship with important neighbours like China,” according to PMO sources.
“There is no confusion in our policies towards China and we continue to strive for constructive engagement with Beijing,” Dr. Singh had told Mr. Ramesh.
Mr. Ramesh had yesterday met Mr. Chidambaram and is said to have clarified the context of his statement.
Mr. Ramesh, while talking about the India—China warmth developed during the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, had suggested that the Home Ministry needed to be “much more relaxed” in its approach to Chinese investments in India.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Manmohan highlights terror threat emanating from Pakistan
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has conveyed to U.S. President Barack Obama India’s serious concern over terror emanating from Pakistan and its lack of will to punish the perpetrators of 26/11 attacks.
On his part, Mr. Obama said the U.S. shares India’s concerns over Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror outfits operating from Pakistan.
Dr. Singh said New Delhi wants convincing action against those behind the Mumbai attacks.
The Prime Minister, during his 45—minute meeting with Mr. Obama, also raised the issue of Indian investigators getting direct access to Mumbai attacks plotter David Headley.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. was working through legal processes for giving India access to Headley.
“He (Obama) was fully supportive of our request for provision of such access,” Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters.
Mr. Obama also promised to keep in mind India’s concerns over the end—use of the US military supplies to Pakistan after Singh voiced apprehensions in this regard.
The U.S. President said he favoured reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan but the Prime Minister made it clear that the “future of South Asia would be determined by the manner in which terrorism is tackled“.
During the meeting at the Blair House, Dr. Singh emphasised that Pakistan needed to take “convincing action” against those responsible for Mumbai attacks, she said.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. understood India’s concerns with regard to activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror groups from Pakistan and Afghanistan and that Washington was “engaging” Pakistan on these issues.
While talking about the menace of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Dr. Singh referred to Headley, activities of LeT and its chief Hafiz Saeed and HuJI terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri, Ms. Rao said.
“Unfortunately, there is no will on part of Pakistan to punish those responsible for terrorist attacks in Mumbai,” Ms. Rao quoted the Prime Minister as telling Mr. Obama.
“This is where partnership of India and the U.S. could make the difference,” Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama.
To a question, Ms. Rao said the fate of Indo-Pak dialogue had no connection with the meeting between Dr. Singh and Mr. Obama.
She said the U.S. as also the entire world, was aware of India’s approach on dialogue with Pakistan. “The U.S. fully understands” India’s position on the dialogue.
India has suspended composite dialogue since the 26/11 attacks and has refused to resume it till Pakistan takes concrete and transparent action against those behind the terror strike.
Ms. Rao said there would be no meeting between Dr. Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani here during the Nuclear Security Summit but did not categorically rule out such a possibility in Bhutan during the upcoming SAARC Summit.
Sources said Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama about India’s scepticism on Pakistan army’s role and pressed the US to ensure that army’s influence diminished in Pakistan.
Mr. Obama said India has the goodwill and understanding in the US.
Noting that shared Dr. Singh’s vision for South Asia, Mr. Obama said he understands India’s interest in Afghanistan and recognises its role. He expressed support to India’s continued assistance programme in Afghanistan.
While talking about Indo-US counter-terrorism cooperation, Mr. Obama said the US was working through legal systems for provision of access to Headley. He said he was supportive of India’s request for provision of access.
On India’s concerns over misuse of US military supplies to Pakistan, Mr. Obama said the US was sensitive to these worries and would monitor the end use of the material given.
The US President referred to the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill and expressed hope that it would be passed by Parliament as expeditiously as possible.
The bill, whose passage is critical for implementation of the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal, has got caught in a political quagmire with opposition parties objecting to certain clauses in it, including the cap of Rs. 500 crore on compensation.
On his part, Mr. Obama said the U.S. shares India’s concerns over Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror outfits operating from Pakistan.
Dr. Singh said New Delhi wants convincing action against those behind the Mumbai attacks.
The Prime Minister, during his 45—minute meeting with Mr. Obama, also raised the issue of Indian investigators getting direct access to Mumbai attacks plotter David Headley.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. was working through legal processes for giving India access to Headley.
“He (Obama) was fully supportive of our request for provision of such access,” Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters.
Mr. Obama also promised to keep in mind India’s concerns over the end—use of the US military supplies to Pakistan after Singh voiced apprehensions in this regard.
The U.S. President said he favoured reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan but the Prime Minister made it clear that the “future of South Asia would be determined by the manner in which terrorism is tackled“.
During the meeting at the Blair House, Dr. Singh emphasised that Pakistan needed to take “convincing action” against those responsible for Mumbai attacks, she said.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. understood India’s concerns with regard to activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror groups from Pakistan and Afghanistan and that Washington was “engaging” Pakistan on these issues.
While talking about the menace of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, Dr. Singh referred to Headley, activities of LeT and its chief Hafiz Saeed and HuJI terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri, Ms. Rao said.
“Unfortunately, there is no will on part of Pakistan to punish those responsible for terrorist attacks in Mumbai,” Ms. Rao quoted the Prime Minister as telling Mr. Obama.
“This is where partnership of India and the U.S. could make the difference,” Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama.
To a question, Ms. Rao said the fate of Indo-Pak dialogue had no connection with the meeting between Dr. Singh and Mr. Obama.
She said the U.S. as also the entire world, was aware of India’s approach on dialogue with Pakistan. “The U.S. fully understands” India’s position on the dialogue.
India has suspended composite dialogue since the 26/11 attacks and has refused to resume it till Pakistan takes concrete and transparent action against those behind the terror strike.
Ms. Rao said there would be no meeting between Dr. Singh and Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani here during the Nuclear Security Summit but did not categorically rule out such a possibility in Bhutan during the upcoming SAARC Summit.
Sources said Dr. Singh told Mr. Obama about India’s scepticism on Pakistan army’s role and pressed the US to ensure that army’s influence diminished in Pakistan.
Mr. Obama said India has the goodwill and understanding in the US.
Noting that shared Dr. Singh’s vision for South Asia, Mr. Obama said he understands India’s interest in Afghanistan and recognises its role. He expressed support to India’s continued assistance programme in Afghanistan.
While talking about Indo-US counter-terrorism cooperation, Mr. Obama said the US was working through legal systems for provision of access to Headley. He said he was supportive of India’s request for provision of access.
On India’s concerns over misuse of US military supplies to Pakistan, Mr. Obama said the US was sensitive to these worries and would monitor the end use of the material given.
The US President referred to the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill and expressed hope that it would be passed by Parliament as expeditiously as possible.
The bill, whose passage is critical for implementation of the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal, has got caught in a political quagmire with opposition parties objecting to certain clauses in it, including the cap of Rs. 500 crore on compensation.
