PM SINGH TO SEEK FRENCH SUPPORT ON NUCLEAR ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 006598 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/26/2015 TAGS: PREL KNNP MNUC ENRG MASS FR IN EU SUBJECT: PM SINGH TO SEEK FRENCH SUPPORT ON NUCLEAR ISSUES REF: A. STATE 133163 ¶B. NEW DELHI 6011 ¶C. NEW DELHI 6079 Classified By: A/DCM Geoffrey Pyatt for Reasons 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. (C) Summary: In an August 25 meeting, French Second Counselor Gilles Bourbao previewed PM Singh's September 11-12 trip to Paris. The primary motivation for the Singh visit is to obtain French support for modifying the international nuclear framework in light of the US-Indian civil nuclear agreement (Ref A). Given France's traditionally more lenient view on the Indian nuclear program, Bourbao believes that Paris will be "pleased to look for ways to develop a new international framework" which includes India. The Europeans will also discuss Indian participation in ITER and climate change during the upcoming EU-India Summit in New Delhi. Since the Indo-French "Strategic Dialogue" began in 2000, business, culture and military links relations between France and India have been blooming, Bourbao said. End Summary. Indo-French Relations are "a la mode" -------------- ¶2. (C) Indian NSA Narayanan will have a chance to preview the PM's trip when he meets with Chirac's Diplomatic Advisor Maurice Gourdault-Montagne on September 2 for their biannual Strategic Dialogue. After the Strategic Dialogue began in 2000, Bourbou noted, the French Ambassador began receiving direct access to the Foreign Secretary. Strategic Dialogue meetings ordinarily review all aspects of Indo-French relations, including business, culture and military ties. Trade and investment between the countries has risen by 30 percent in the past two years, and France is now India's seventh largest trading partner, the Embassy reported. In the next month, the Indo-French Intellectual Forum will bring the former French IMF President, former European Commissioner and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics to India. Bourbou observed that France has lately become "fashionable" in India. COMMENT: Not that we have noticed. END COMMENT. ¶3. (C) Despite being India's third largest military partner after Russia and Israel, Bourbou said that largest headache in the relationship is concluding big contracts. In addition to the Indian decision on the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft tender, France is awaiting closure on GOI purchases of French submarines and 40 Airbus aircraft. Paris Trip "Directly Linked" to US-India Joint Statement -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Since the PM's return from Washington in late July, MEA has been in constant contact with the French Embassy. A few days after returning from the trip, the Foreign Minister sent the French a letter to "inform France of the nuclear developments and stress India's commitment to nuclear security." At the beginning of August, the Prime Minister requested an official visit in Paris on his way to the United National General Assembly. PM Singh will arrive in Paris on the evening of September 11, spend the 12th in meetings, and leave for New York the next day. While in Paris, he will have a "personal talk and lunch" with President Chirac, dinner with Prime Minister Raffarin, and a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Douste-Blazy. ¶5. (C) Bourbou reported there is "no specific agenda yet, but the Indians want to talk nuclear." In the wake of the US-Indo nuclear deal, the PM will seek French support for modifying international nuclear rules. He recalled that France has always been more supportive of the Indian civil nuclear program and did not administer sanctions after the Pokhran tests. According to Bourbou, the French government favors using civilian nuclear power to help responsible countries such as India to meet their energy needs. As a result, the French diplomat believes the GOF will be "pleased to look for ways to develop a new international framework" to include India. He characterized the new US position as "closer to the traditional French view." India-EU Summit to Focus on ITER and Climate Change -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) On September 7, France will participate in the British-led India-EU Summit in New Delhi, where they will unveil an "Action Plan for the Strategic Partnership" that the Europeans have been negotiating over the past several months. The GOI also hopes to discuss Indian Participation in the ITER reactor project. France is "happy to integrate India into the project, with certain conditions," but Bourbou indicated that the EU has yet to reach consensus on this issue. The British are "insisting on an environmental and climate change agreement," which will be a priority at the Summit. Bourbou concluded by saying that "the agenda is linked to the European perception that India is a responsible, rising power on the global scene." COMMENT: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. END COMMENT. Comment: GOI Proactively Building International Consensus -------------- -------------- ¶7. (C) After deftly managing its internal debate on Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation (Ref B and C),the GOI is gradually going on the offensive for international support. Longstanding French backing for India's civil nuclear program makes Paris an easy first stop. Stay tuned for a flurry of Indo-European activity at the September 2 Strategic Dialogue Meeting, the PM Blair's September 7-8 visit, and Singh's September 11-12 meetings with top French leadership. ¶8. (U) Visit New Delhi's Classified Website: (http//www.state.sgov/p/sa/newdelhi) MULFORD