The Prime Minister interacted with a few senior journalists at his residence here today. The conversation covered the current political and economic situation and the issues pertaining to civil nuclear energy and the proposed Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Prime Minister outlined the steps taken by the government to sustain the growth momentum and curb inflation, in the face of external pressures on account of rising crude oil prices. He also referred to the various initiatives taken by the government to make the growth process socially inclusive, including the measures taken to insulate the poor to the extent possible from inflation. He outlined the initiatives being taken to boost agricultural production and farmers' welfare.

Referring to opportunities for international cooperation in civil nuclear energy, in addressing the challenge of energy security and high technology development, the Prime Minister said the IAEA safeguards agreement will enable India to cooperate in civil nuclear energy development with all the 45 member countries of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, including USA, Russia, France and China. He said that concluding the agreements would end the era of nuclear apartheid against India. He said the agreement will in no way impinge on our strategic programme, which is entirely outside the purview of the IAEA safeguards agreement.

Stating that India would never allow any extraneous interference in the conduct of our independent foreign policy, the Prime Minister said that India would continue to seek good relations with all our Asian neighbours.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the people of India understood the significance of the initiatives being taken by the UPA Government and endorse them.