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My question is pertaining to your Japan tour. You just described it successful, but specifically in terms of forward movement made on civil nuclear deal, is there any possibility of getting it signed with Japan before 2014 Lok Sabha polls?
There have been discussions with Japan and this visit marked a formal move in that direction. I am hopeful that before long we will be able to put our signatures on a civil nuclear energy agreement with Japan as well.
How do you describe the progress made so far in respect of the Look East Policy, especially in the backdrop of your bi-nation visit? What is the progress made so far and are there any emerging new issues to be focused under the policy?
The Look East Policy of the government is not a new development. When Narasimha Rao was our Prime Minister, I was the Finance Minister. We charted out the course of action to get closer to Southeast Asian countries particularly ASEAN. Since then this process has been moving forward. ASEAN countries are our strategic partners and there are enormous opportunities of expanding trade ties, expanding investment relations, expanding maritime cooperation, expanding the scope of trade and investment. And now we have reached a stage where large-scale flow of trade and investment is becoming a reality. We have, for example, the Dedicated Freight Corridor where Japan is helping us; we also have the Mumbai-Delhi Industrial Corridor where Japanese help will be available; in the Mumbai-Bangalore corridor also there is a great interest of east Asian countries like Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. So, I am hopeful that this Look East Policy of India is paying rich dividends and the results are going to improve as we move forward.
There is a new government, a new dispensation in Pakistan and there has been quite a bit of cordiality from the side of Mr. Sharif as far as you visiting Pakistan. Could you give us any guidance on whether you plan to visit there before the end of this year? Also, what sort of outcomes you are expecting before it can be, as you said in your own words, business-as-usual with Pakistan again?
I rang up Nawaz Sharif on the very first day when election results were coming out. I conveyed my congratulations to him and I reciprocated his sentiments that India-Pakistan relations should move forward. I also invited him to visit India, he also invited me to visit Pakistan. There is an invitation from the government of Pakistan for me to visit Pakistan. There is no firm decision on either side. No dates have been fixed. But we would certainly like to have good neighbourly relations with Pakistan. It has been consistently our policy that in India-Pakistan relations we should deal with all the outstanding issues. We are committed to resolve them in a peaceful manner. That is also the sentiment which was reciprocated by Shri Nawaz Sharif.
Sir, my question actually relates to the world of cricket. One of the biggest news developments that is happening in India today is about match-fixing, betting, hawala scandals and all the happening in the Indian Premier League where even senior ministers, politicians are also associated with the game. The BCCI Chief, Mr Srinivasan, has refused to step down from his position saying he has done no wrong. Do you think it is about time for the government to intervene?
I wouldn't like to comment on this issue. This matter is under investigation and it would not be proper for me to comment on the stage of investigation. I would only hope that politics and sports don't get mixed up.
Sir, in UPA-I, Left deserted you. In UPA-II, Mamata deserted you. For a possible UPA-III, are you planning to reach out to the Left again or are you expecting Mamata to join UPA-III?
In politics, there are no permanent allies and no permanent enemies. These possibilities of some people coming in, some people going out, I think have to be accepted as they are.
Sir, in this entire growth versus inflation dynamics, do you think that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been behind the curve? The finance minister sometime back did say that he would like to walk alone if the RBI does not listen. What is your comment?
Monetary policy of the country is decided by the RBI, and I respect the judgment of the RBI. But this is also an evolving process. As we get control over inflation, there is more space available to pursue pro-growth policies. And I do believe, in the coming months, you will see inflation coming under greater control, and the space for growth-promoting activities also increasing.
Sir, if DMK approaches you for support from your five-member MLA contingent for their lone Rajya Sabha seat, will the Congress respond and support them because they expect so?
I can't say on behalf of the Congress high command. These are matters which are discussed at the highest level in our party, and it would not be proper for me to pre-judge what stand the Congress party will take.
Sir, you have been known to be a very objective person. As you are completing your second term as Prime Minister you have a considerable list of achievements. Can you tell me three regrets which you have?
I cannot tell you how I feel about the way UPA-II has moved. I think there has been a great sense of continuity between UPA-I and UPA-II. But it is unfortunately a fact that the Opposition has become more impatient than ever before. They never expected that we would win the election for UPA-I. But they were doubly disappointed when we won the election for UPA-II. Therefore, the obstructionist role of the Opposition has increased enormously in recent years. And it is my great regret that some very essential business of the House has not been transacted because of these animosities between the Opposition and the government.
Prime Minister, the perception persists of divergences and trust deficit between you and Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and that she nudged you against your wishes to get the resignation of Mr Ashwani Kumar as Law Minister, and also that you faced a tough situation when CBI director named a joint secretary in the PMO as having made changes in the agency's affidavit to the Supreme Court.
I can say in all truthfulness that there is no difference of opinion between me and the Congress President. We work together on almost every issue where consultation is needed, I consult the Congress President. And, therefore, this perception that on certain issues there were differences of opinion, there is no truth in that.
