Atomic Energy Chairman Anil Kakodkar had said that it would be a matter of concern if the G-8 nations insisted on banning transfers of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing technology and equipment to non-signatories of the NPT.

In a communique, the French President said he wishes to "honour" France's strategic partnership with India through Singh's visit.

France, he said, fully supported India's bid for UN Security Council seat and had called for enlargement of G-8 to include India, Brazil and China, and other emerging economies in the grouping.

Further strengthening defence cooperation is also likely to figure prominently in the talks Singh will have with Sarkozy.

Defence Secretary Vijay Singh will be part of the PM's delegation to the talks.

Singh said non-alignment has been the bedrock of India's foreign policy since it was enunciated by late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

"Non-alignment remains an article of faith for us," he said, adding in the post-Cold War era, when the world was no longer divided into two military blocs, the NAM has a renewed role to play in the emerging world order.

Noting that the diversity and universality of the NAM offered the grouping a unique opportunity to address present day challenges, Singh said, "India will play its part in helping NAM to regain its moral high ground to address issues which are of direct concern and relevance to developing countries."

The issues would range from sustainable development, climate change, food security, energy security, terrorism and reform of the architecture of international governance, he added.

... contd.