• Is this why one cannot automatically assume that once the IAEA agreement is over, the NSG waiver for India would be in place very soon?

The way I see it, India is seeking, from the NSG, a clear cut exception — with no conditions or expectations — which I think will not be easy for some of the member states of the NSG to readily agree... At the end of the day, the matter will not fail because of German resistance or obstruction.

• Domestically, Germany does not promote nuclear power plants. Would you support it as a viable option for developing countries such as India?

As in many countries, today our energy in Germany comes from different sources — from coal, nuclear energy or renewable energy. For the time being, the government of Chancellor Merkel has kept the decision of the previous government to close the nuclear power plants in Germany until 2021... Germany respects any decision of the Indian side regarding the specific mix of energies deemed appropriate for India.

• In the context of Chancellor’s Merkel’s commitments towards lowering carbon emissions, how do you see Germany playing a cooperative role in India?

During Chancellor Merkel’s visit to India, agreements worth 150 million euros will be entered into to support clean energy projects in India. We are sharing German expertise in energy efficiency with India and are supporting introducing supercritical technology in the country. Germany is also cooperating with India in energy research.

... contd.