Terror not means to end: Merkel to Pak

“India is suffering the consequences of terrorism and we are cooperating with India to do what we can to ensure that another terrorist attack like the one in Mumbai is not repeated. We will also tell Pakistan that terrorism is not a means to an end to solve political problems,” said Merkel.

For the Indian camp,this was the clearest acknowledgement by a European power of the state sponsorship by Pakistan of terrorism directed against India. The fact that Germany itself has just averted a major terror attack planned on its Parliament — the roots of which were also traced to terror camps in Pakistan — apparently led to this stronger message from Berlin.

Over the past few years,Germany has been grappling with the problem of its citizens joining jehadi groups and targeting German cities. Having busted a handful of such plots,Berlin is eager that Pakistan act against such camps.

Singh disclosed that the two sides had also agreed to explore the possibility of bilateral cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy. “We deeply value Germany’s consistent support including in the Nuclear Suppliers Group,for the opening of international commerce for India in the field of civil nuclear energy,” the Prime Minister said.

Singh sought relaxation of German laws to “open new horizons for high-technology trade”. Merkel replied that the finalisation of the India-EU investment and trade agreement will make it easier for such restrictions to be removed.

Germany was more forthcoming on the matter of military sales,given that Eurofighter is competing in the multi-role combat aircraft tender.

Later,Merkel accepted Singh’s invitation to visit India next year.