Yes, the civilian part would come under the IAEA framework. To come back to your previous question, I believe that one should talk of a global nuclear deal, rather than a India-US nuclear deal. What is presented to the IAEA will be the base for a change of the international regime of cooperation between the world and India. We propose to the NSG, group of suppliers of nuclear technologies, to adopt on this basis an exemption in favor of India and allow the resumption of these cooperations. If it goes (successfully) through the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), and we support this very much, a special regime will be in place.

Of course, there would be nothing without an Indo-US deal, but (at the same time) there will be no Indo-US agreement without a general framework and the (final) outcome will be that each country desiring it, will be able to start a civilian cooperation with India in the nuclear field.

The political life in India has been in turmoil because of the 'US' deal. Do you want to comment?

One aspect is the way the media presents the subject in India. If you read the declarations of government officials, they are all talking about a 'global deal'. The media does not catch this, simply because the debate has focused on the US side of the deal instead of the global picture.

About the internal debate in India, I have of course, no comment to make. I simply want to confirm that France is working actively in favour of an early conclusion of the deal in IAEA and exemption by the NSG.

We support this present evolution because it can contribute to sustainable development, energy sustainability and fight against climate change. It is a concern (not only in France), but in Europe also: A stable, prosperous, ecologically balanced India is in the interest of the entire world. The more India develops in a sustainable way, the better for the sustainability of the world. The agreement is therefore good for India and for the world.

Now that India's Parliament has voted in favour of the 'deal', will you be lobbying actively for the deal?

We are lobbying on the merits of the case and hope that the process will be completed very soon. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is visiting France for the India-EU Summit in September. We are hopeful that good progress will have been made by then.

Image: Then French President Jacques Chirac inspects a guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, February 20, 2006. During his visit Chirac said he was optimistic France could compete with the United States in supplying nuclear power capability to energy-starved India. Photograph: Patrick Kovarik/AFP/Getty Images

Also see: Sarkozy backs Indo-US nuclear deal

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