Sarkozy supports India’s bid for permanent UNSC seat

BANGALORE - French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is on a four-day state visit to India, backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Saturday.

Addressing over 500 scientists, captains of industry and students at the Indian Space Research Origination (ISRO) here, Sarkozy said India, along with Brazil, Germany, Japan, Africa and Arab world should be in the UN Security Council.

“It is unthinkable that one billion Indians are not represented in the Security Council,” said Sarkozy.

The French President further said France will provide all help for development of India’s nuclear programme.

“France is delighted to set up a nuclear plant in Jaitapur that will produce 10,000 mega watt (MW) of clean energy,” said Sarkozy.

Supporting India in its fight against terrorism, Sarkozy said terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan is a major source of instability in the world.

During his four-day visit, Sarkozy is accompanied by his wife Carla Bruni, seven of his key ministers and a business delegation.

Defence, nuclear power and sustainable development will dominate the agenda of talks between the Indian leaders and Sarkozy.

After visiting ISRO, Sarkozy will depart for Agra in the afternoon around 2 p.m.

He will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra with his wife and will reach Delhi on Sunday evening.

French President will hold delegation level talks with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on various issues on Monday.

On Tuesday, Sarkozy will fly to Mumbai. (ANI)