NEW DELHI: Britain will have to "think carefully" about supplying spares to an aircraft India is planning to sell to Myanmar, its High Commissioner Arthur Michael said here on Wednesday.

Terming the controversy over denial of spares a "story before its time," he said, "it is possible the Indian Navy may hand over the British origin Islander aircraft. If that is the case, we will have to think carefully only about the supply of spares because the European Union guidelines prohibit exports to Myanmar." The controversy was a "small level Myanmar-related issue, if at all" which would have no effect on Indo-U.K. relations.

Britain has asked India not offer the aircraft to Myanmar but the Defence Ministry feels that the curb is unfair in the absence of a resale clause in the contract when the country bought the planes in the 1980s. "We should tell them where to get off," a senior navalofficer said.

On the possible purchase of Sea Harriers for the aircraft carrier Viraat, Sir Michael said the Indian Navy showed a strong interest in the deal and the two sides were still in negotiations. These aircraft are in service with the Royal Navy and are to be replaced in March. "There are some differences which we are trying to resolve. We hope this [deal] can proceed."

Typhoon fighter

On reports about New Delhi's interest in the recently developed Typhoon fighter, a senior BAe Systems official said, "I don't believe it fits India's requirements. But if they were to send the request for proposal in which Typhoon would fit, we would be glad to talk about it."

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