France backs India’s civil nuclear programme, claim for permanent UNSC membership

• French President Nicolas Sarkozy has expressed his full support to India's civil nuclear programme and backed India's claim for a permanent membership in the UN security Council.Sarkozy also said that terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan is a major source of instability in the world.
• Sarkozy said France fully backs India's entry in to Nuclear Suppliers Group - NSG. He said there is need to put an end to nuclear isolation of India. He felt it was injustice done to India by challenging its right to access to civil nuclear energy. India is now going to be a full-fledged member of the multilateral groups overseeing non-proliferation regimes and France will support India's application for candidacy of NSG.
• Speaking of France's relationship with India, Sarkozy said that his country has been a good friend of India. Both the countries mean what they say. Sarkozy showered praise on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying the Indian leader was obsessed with peace through development and eradication of poverty.
• Appreciating India's growth, he said its voice has to be heard in the global level. On education sector, Sarkozy said he expected a three-fold growth in the number of Indian students going to France.
• French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni made an unscheduled visit to Taj Mahal today. They flew from Bangalore to Agra.