The Hindu : National : We respect internal debate on the nuclear deal: French envoy

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We respect internal debate on the nuclear deal: French envoy

Special Correspondent

“Concluding the deal will be a win-win situation for India and the world”

India has a pressing need on the energy front, says Bonnafont
“West Bengal can be a very important partner
in realising the goal of doubling trade”

Kolkata: French Ambassador to India Jerome Bonnafont said while France respects the internal debate now going on in India over the civilian nuclear deal, it still believes that concluding the deal in nuclear energy will be a win-win situation for India as well as the world.

Participating in an interactive session organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, he dwelt on a wide range of topics including Taslima Nasreen, increased air-connectivity and trade with West Bengal.

Mr. Bonnafont said India had a pressing need on the energy front and since 1998, France was trying to work with India to define a new system through which India could enter the area of tapping civil nuclear options.

He however noted that there were several other areas where the two countries could work together. He said West Bengal could be a very important partner in realising the goal of doubling trade within five years.

Mr. Bonnafont said West Bengal contributed 20 per cent of the country’s food of which only 2 per cent was processed.

On the other hand, France was the top exporter of processed food items. Apart from this, there was scope for cooperation in energy, infrastructure, human resource development and construction and cement manufacturing.

Mr. Bonnafont said several companies from West Bengal were in talks for increased cooperation in the areas of food processing, information technology, steel and micro electronics.

He said Air France, a private carrier, was carrying out trial flights between Chennai and Paris and the number of flights have now increased. It will increase connectivity with India, if it finds it feasible to do so.

To a question whether the French government would give asylum to Ms. Nasreen, the diplomat evaded a direct answer saying she was safe and protected here. He noted that she had a European passport.

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