Click to play videoNew Delhi: The G8 statement about the non transference of sensitive nuclear technology to non-Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) signatories had the Indian diplomats break into a cold sweat.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday said that India is one of the world's greatest democracies and a major power of the 21st century.
Sarkozy said so while he toasted Manmohan Singh, first as Indian troops paraded down the Champs Eleesay for the first time and then at a working lunch in the Eleezay Palace.
It's not clear if Sarkozy was able to lend any clarity to the G8, led by the US, moving to ban the transfer of sensitive nuclear technologies to non-NPT members. Nor was there any comment from the Indian delegation on that score.
But back in Delhi sources told CNN-IBN that it was a general statement not aimed at India and not binding on India.
Former US ambassador Frank Wisner also said that his country would not backstab India on nuclear cooperation.
"We are bound by a sovereign decision. US made a sovereign decision. We passed Hyde Act followed by 123 Agreement. We are bound by those laws, we respect its word. It is a law," said Wisner.
Former Indian ambassador to US Lalit Mansingh also believed that India had nothing to worry.
It's not clear if India lobbied G8 allies Russia and France to block that statement. What's evident is India taking up the issue with Hillary Clinton during her visit next week.
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