NEW DELHI, May 31 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to have high-level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with nuclear power high on the agenda.
The German government announced it decided to phase out its nuclear power reactors by 2022.
Berlin's commitment to shutter its nuclear facilities is expected to have wide-ranging ramifications in India as those opposed to nuclear power, where a significant opposition to nuclear power exists, including the movement at Jaitapur, with analysts believing that Germany's renunciation of civilian nuclear power will vindicate their opposition, The Times of India reported Tuesday.
Indian high-level sources speaking not to attribution said that although Germany has assured India that it would continue to be a reliable high-technology supplier in the field of nuclear safety ahead of Merkel's visit, the decision puts further cooperation in doubt.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle during meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Shri S M Krishna prior to Merkel's visit, said he knew India was watching the European nation closely.
Westerwelle said: "They are noticing that we in Germany are rethinking our energy policy. Maybe not everything is understood but the interest in renewable energy is great."
