Friday, Jan 24, 2003
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By Anjali Mody
Responding to the questions from the media after their meeting, Mr. Advani and the French Premier, Jean Pierre Raffarian, refused to be drawn on what they had discussed with regard to terrorism. Mr. Advani was asked whether he had raised the question of Pakistan's support to terrorism with Mr. Raffarain. He said he had explained India's position on terrorism to him. Asked what this position was, he replied that "in respect of global terrorism" the approach of India and France "are the same". Earlier, Mr. Advani had a meeting with the French Defence Minister, Michelle Alliot-Marie. The French Minister spoke of France's concern that terrorism was a major threat to stability. Mr. Advani told her about India's continuing experience with terrorism and Pakistan's support to terrorist activity in India. India believed that no government that supported terrorism should receive the support of the international community, he told her. Ms. Alliot-Marie, whose government has had a history of arms sales to and military exchanges with Pakistan, appreciated India's position. However, according to officials, she did not make any categorical statement of agreement. Ms. Alliot-Marie asked for more frequent and comprehensive exchange of information and intelligence between her country and India. She also suggested the institutionalisation of these exchanges.
Defence cooperation
The Deputy Prime Minister also told Ms. Alliot-Marie that India hoped to raise the level of defence cooperation with France, from buyer and seller to one of a partnership, in design and co-production. Ms. Alliot-Marie responded positively to say that Indian research competence was something that could certainly be the basis of such cooperation. The meeting also underlined the similarity of views of India and France on Iraq. Both Mr. Advani and the French Defence Minister reaffirmed their views that no unilateral action against Iraq was acceptable, and that the arms inspectors report should be scrutinised and any further decision mandated by the U.N.
Meeting cancelled
A scheduled meeting with the French Minister for Transport, Gilles de Robien, was cancelled at the last minute, with Mr. Advani pleading exhaustion. However, reliable sources suggested that the decision not to hold the meeting was dictated by concerns that the French Minister, who is to visit India along with the Prime Minister in February, would raise the issue of Airbus sales, which is now under consideration.Mr. Advani also discussed the ongoing negotiations for defence purchases from France. It is reliably learnt that India is interested in buying mirage 2000-5 aircraft from the French manufacturers. These advanced jet fighters will vastly increase India's nuclear detterence capability. The negotiations to purchase 6 Scorpene SKK was also discussed and the contract is expected to be finalised by mid-February.
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