French President Sarkozy to meet Manmohan Singh today

NEW DELHI - French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is on a four-day visit to India, will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here today.

The meeting is due to take place at the Prime Minister’s residence - 7, Race Course Road, and will happen over a private dinner to be hosted by Dr Singh for Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni.

However, the official talks are scheduled for Monday, during which Sarkozy will take up issues relating to the civil nuclear liability legislation with Dr. Singh.

Apart from the civil nuclear cooperation, the two leaders are likely to discuss a host of issues, including terrorism.

In an address at ISRO centre at Bangalore on Saturday, Sarkozy said he is a “great admirer” of Manmohan Singh as he praised the Indian leader’s “obsession” with peace, development and eradication of poverty in the country.

He said whenever the Prime Minister meets him, he talks about this obsession.

He also reiterated his support for India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

“India deserves a permanent seat in the Security Council,” Sarkozy said addressing over 500 scientists, captains of industry and students,” he said.

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

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

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