Tuesday, May 17 2005 17:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India is prepared for "broadest" engagement with the international non-proliferation regime provided its indigenous nuclear and strategic programme was not subject to "externally imposed constraints", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (May 17, 2005) said.

"India is willing to shoulder its share of international obligations as a partner against proliferation provided our legitimate interests are safeguarded," Singh said in his address to the Country's Defence scientists.

Assuring the international community that strict regulations were in force to prevent internal leakages and external transfers of sensitive technologies, he said this should give confidence to suppliers of high technology that these will remain secure.

"We see no reason for non-proliferation concerns to be a barrier to high technology trade and commerce with India," he said.

Singh's remarks assume significance in the wake of assurances sought by the US and Russia on tight controls on export of sensitive technologies to clear hurdles in the way for transfer of advanced nuclear technology for peaceful uses.