Germany for stronger civil nuclear ties

Also, to cooperate and deepen relationship in all spheres, including defence.

Germany would expand and enhance its relationship with India in the field of civilian nuclear energy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this evening at a joint press conference held here with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The two countries have also decided to cooperate and deepen their relationship in all spheres, including defence.

India had an impeccable record on nuclear non-proliferation, was a responsible nuclear power with no first-use, and it fully complied with guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at a press conference ahead of the opening of the Hannover Messe 2006 fair, in which India is a partner country.

Singh also drew attention to irritants in the economic relationship between the two countries.

At the opening of the Fair, he drew attention towards trade and investment barriers faced by Indian companies while doing business with Germany.

"Some Indian companies have faced visa and work permit problems in Germany. Employment and taxation laws also pose problems, as do some enviornment and labour standards. While our companies have recast operating procedures, some requirments remain onerous," he said.

Indian industry officials here believe that unless Germany relaxes visa norms, enchanced commerce between the two countries will be greatly affected.

At the press conference, however, Merkel said the issue did not figure in her talks with Singh. "We did not discuss it... If complaints are made, we will look into the issue."

During the day, Singh also met and invited top CEOs of Germany to invest in India. India needed $150 billion to improve its infrastructure, including in power, airport and roads sectors, he said.

Singh also told the CEOs that India intended to raise the cap on foreign investment in the insurance sector to 49 per cent and allow "greater role" to foreign banks step by step.

Energy and science and technolgy are other areas where the two countries are set to work together.

At the joint press conference, Singh welcomed the setting up of the Indo-German energy forum, which will address energy concerns, including energy security, efficient use of energy, and eco-friendly technologies. The two countries will also work towards jointly funded Indo-German Science Centre in New Delhi.