Pranab Mukherjee

SINGAPORE: India has sought the "support" of Japan for gaining access to high-tech know-how and equipment for the peaceful use of atomic energy. Indicating this, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday told The Hindu over telephone from Tokyo that discussions on this issue "are [still] taking place."

Mr. Mukherjee met his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso for the first-ever bilateral strategic dialogue at the ministerial level.

Noting that Japan was "an advanced country in nuclear energy" and also an "important member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group," Mr. Mukherjee said India would require Tokyo's support to secure the forum's nod for access to the resources and sophisticated technology in this domain. "Keeping in view the sensitivities of Japan," he told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders that "India's commitment to non-proliferation is total and not ambiguous."

Mr. Mukherjee's political intervention over this issue acquires importance in the evolving context of India-U.S. engagement on civil nuclear cooperation.

Responding to a question, he maintained there was no strategic design behind the prospective India-Japan-U.S. naval exercise, a first involving the three, and the planned U.S.-India bilateral exercise off the Japanese waters. The objective being pursued was "not a war game" at all. These exercises were being programmed to enhance cooperation to "combat piracy, ensure the security of sea lanes" and manage natural disasters and tackle marine pollution among other tasks with no military dimension.

On the United Nations Security Council reform and New Delhi's bid to become a permanent member, Mr. Mukherjee said the Group of Four - India, Japan, Brazil, and Germany - was still "very much alive" to champion this cause.

On energy security, a key aspect of his latest talks in Tokyo, Mr. Mukherjee said the two countries were now poised to begin a dialogue on this.

In a joint press release, India and Japan said the bilateral energy dialogue would be launched in April. Specific projects for cooperation would be identified by five working groups now agreed upon to focus on electricity generation, energy efficiency, issues relating to coal, renewable energy, and petroleum and natural gas.

The two sides agreed to facilitate high-tech trade between them through consultations and address issues relating to their respective export control systems.

On defence and security cooperation, India and Japan "endorsed the view" that they "must cooperate closely to ensure the safety and security of international maritime traffic."

Addressing the Japan Institute of International Affairs, Mr. Mukherjee said India's agreement with the United States on civil nuclear energy cooperation was "motivated by the logic" of increasing power production significantly and addressing environmental concerns at the same time.

Recognising "the sentiments of the Japanese people on nuclear matters," he said "India has an impeccable record on non-proliferation."

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