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| Japan wants India to sign CTBT |
| Press Trust of India / New Delhi Dec 29, 2009, 20:07 IST |
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Resisting Japan's push for signing Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), India today made it clear that the onus of taking the lead in this regard lies with the US and China which are yet to ratify the pact.
After his talks with Japanese counterpart Yukio Hatoyama here during which non-proliferation and civil nuclear issues were discussed, Prime Minister Minister Manmohan Singh said India was "deeply interested" in working with Japan and other "like-minded" countries for "the cause of universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory disarmament".
Japan, however, promised to relax curbs on hi-tech trade as the two countries sought to impart greater depth to their ties by unveiling an action plan covering defence and counter-terrorism exchanges and vowing to step up trade.
At a joint press conference with Singh after the talks, Hatoyama said the two countries have "differences" over the issue of CTBT and Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Noting that he had discussed the issue with Singh, he said, "I expressed the hope that along with the US and China, India will sign and ratify the (CTBT) treaty.
"In response, Prime Minister Singh said should the US and China ratify the CTBT, a new situation will emerge. I believe he has stated it as a matter of fact," Hatoyama said, adding "We firmly have to engage in these endeavours."
On his part, Singh referred to India's "unilaterally-declared moratorium" on nuclear tests and said "that is a commitment we will honour." He also underlined India's "impeccable record" with regard to non-proliferation.
Singh said he "explained" to Hatoyama "the circumstances in which India had to go the nuclear weapon" way in 1998.
India is refusing to sign CTBT, saying it is a "flawed" pact.
Hatoyama said he had also discussed with Singh the issue related to Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty and contended that negotiations for that should be launched as soon as possible.
Japan continues to "seek cooperation from India" for "total elimination of nuclear weapons", he said.
The Japanese Prime Minister remained non-committal on civil nuclear cooperation with India although he observed that it would be an "important agenda for future".
Singh said the two leaders had "fairly extensive" discussions on prospects of civil nuclear cooperation as he referred to the waiver granted by the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group to India to conduct trade in nuclear material and technology.
To a question on restrictions by Japan on hi-tech trade with India, Hatoyama said the issue was discussed with Singh who hoped for liberalisation in this field.
"Prime Minister Singh mentioned that Indian companies will not divert imports from Japan to weapons purposes or third countries in dubious manner," Hatoyama said
"With that strong determination", he said he "shall as soon as possible see to it that we will be able to act" on this matter and ensure a "positive conclusion" in the case of individual cases where proper information is provided.
"Needless to say that India-Japan hi-technology cooperation will benefit both the countries," he added.
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