NEW DELHI: France is ready to consider any Indian request for the purchase of “Sofma” howitzer guns, the French premier Michael Rocard, said at a press conference here.
India is a sovereign country and could decide about its defense needs, Rocard said when asked whether France would like to step in place of Bofors in view of the restrictions imposed by the new government on the purchase of the Swedish gun.
Rocard also said that no decision had been taken as yet on Pakistan’s desire to purchase the Mirage 2000 aircraft.
The matter was under consideration, he said adding that France desired India and Pakistan to amicably settle their outstanding problems.
France, like India, was making efforts to reinvigorate North-South dialogue, he said. Rocard, however, stressed it was important that “we prepare carefully before holding the next meeting”.
The French premier in his dinner speech Thursday night, said the North-South dialogue was still coming up against serious impediments.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 2, 1990
