PM says N-deal with US is on schedule

"Leftist extremism is a very serious issue and poses a very serious threat. We have to tackle it at several levels," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said while replying a question from rediff.com.

He said, "We have to strengthen security and intelligence arrangements and, at the same time, we have to deal with underlying social and economical factors that allow such ideologies of discontent to flourish."

When this reporter asked, "Is Indo-US nuclear deal moving as envisaged and will get fuel for Tarapore before President Bush arrives in India, Dr Singh de-linked both issues the first time.

"Fuel for Tarapore is a separate issue that is not related to the nuclear deal. As far as the nuclear deal is concerned, everything is moving according to schedule. There is a working group on their side with Nicholas Burns heading it and ours is headed by the foreign secretary. They have had the first meeting and will meet again soon." 

• PM stresses Indo-Russian ties

He skirted a question regarding American diplomat Robert Joseph's statement at a hearing before the Congressional Committee, where he had said that India will not be entitled to a similar safeguards agreement, as that currently enjoyed by recognised nuclear powers, with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Dr Singh said, "I would not like to go into details of what an individual in a particular situation has said. I stand by whatever I have said in Parliament. Whatever we do with the US will be in consistency with my statements in Parliament."

When asked if India will talk to Russia regarding fuel for Tarapore, he said, "Issues relating to energy security will figure in my discussion. It is quite possible we may touch upon the subject."

As for terrorism, he said, "Anywhere and everywhere terrorism constitutes a threat to civilised way of life. So there is a meeting of minds between Russia and Indiaon the subject.

• PM dismisses BJP's demands

On the Iran nuclear issue he said, "India has been in discussion with all major parties. We have been talking to European Union, Russia and China. Our concern has been to find a solution to the problem and not allow it got to United Nations Security Council but resolve it within the framework of IAEA. I am glad to say that our strategy seems to be working."

While commenting on India's stand on Russia's entry into World Trade Organisation, Dr Singh said, "We have no apprehensions. It is a normal procedure that each country discusses with various parties. We have a few concerns regarding geographical indicators but these are not significant obstacles. We will resolve them "