The Hindu Business Line : We don’t have the luxury to limit energy options, says PM

New Delhi, June 9 The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday said the country did not have the “luxury” of limiting energy options available before it.

“Our energy needs will continue to rise in the foreseeable future,” Dr Singh said while inaugurating a conference, ‘Towards a world free of nuclear weapons’ here. Without directly referring to the stalemate on the Indo-US nuclear deal, which the Government says will expand India’s energy base, Dr Singh said, “We do not have the luxury of limiting our options of energy sources.”

The Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, which the Government has been keen on pushing though, promises to open the country’s doors for cooperation with international community in the field, ending a 34-year-old nuclear isolation. The Government’s efforts are, however, faced with stiff resistance from its Left allies, who are opposed to operationalisation of the deal.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Singh said the Government was looking to “create an international environment in which nuclear technology is used not for destructive purposes but for helping us meet our national development goals and our energy security.”

Making it clear that India was in no arms race with anyone, Dr Singh said the country, which has witnessed rapid economic growth in the last few years, and “is poised for even higher growth rates in the future, needs a peaceful international environment.”

Nuclear disarmament

“We seek a world in which power flows through the empowerment of people, and from the strength and resilience of our economy, our society, our institutions and our values,” the Prime Minister said. He said India is fully committed to nuclear disarmament that is “global, universal and non-discriminatory in nature”, a goal which will enhance “not only our security but the security of all other countries.”