The Hindu : National : India, Russia against weaponising space

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Friday, Jan 26, 2007
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National

National

India, Russia against weaponising space

Diplomatic Correspondent

The genie should not be let out of the bottle, says Vladimir Putin

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday agreed publicly that they were against weaponisation of outer space at a joint press appearance here on Thursday. They were responding to a question on the implications of a Chinese missile taking out a satellite deployed in space.

Mr. Putin said space should be totally free of weapons and added that China was not the first country to conduct such a test of a missile destroying a satellite. According to him, the first such test was conducted in the 1980s.

He said: "Military circles in the United States were talking about weaponisation of outer space." Mr. Putin was categorical that the "genie" should not be let out of the bottle.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India concurred with Russia on the issue of weaponising space. New Delhi did not favour such a proposition.

Russia was ready to "brave new horizons" in the oil and gas sector. Its companies were willing to intensify cooperation with Indian firms in this key area. They could jointly develop new infrastructure to transport oil and gas both in India and in adjoining areas.

Referring to a trilateral framework of meetings between India, Russia and China, he said this issue was discussed with Dr. Singh, but the two did not go into "great details." Mr. Putin said trilateral interactions were an "interesting and useful" format. The idea was to address regional issues in a way that was acceptable to all sides.

On using rupee-rouble resources, Dr. Singh said India and Russia were committed to deploying this money for joint projects.

Citing an example, he said the new Indo-Russian multi-role transport aircraft would be funded from rupee-rouble resources.

"We have had comprehensive discussions on our expanding defence relationship. Our defence ties have steadily progressed to include new areas such as joint research and development, manufacturing and marketing, regular service to service interaction and joint exercises," Dr. Singh said. "Our cooperation in the joint development of the multi-role transport aircraft and our interest in cooperation in the development of the fifth generation fighter are significant developments," he maintained.

"Though there has been a sea change in the international situation during the last decade, Russia remains indispensable to the core of India's foreign policy interests. Building on the long tradition of warm and friendly relations with Russia, we seek a comprehensive re-engagement that would impart new momentum and carry our strategic partnership to new heights," Dr. Singh said.

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi called on the Russian President. Mr. Putin also held talks with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

* * *

Sonia talks energy

Congress president Sonia Gandhi pitched in with a bit of persuasion with the visiting Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and asked him to help in India's energy needs.

According to senior official sources, she mentioned to Mr. Putin the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas' interest in joint stakes in Sakhalin III. The Russian President, according to the sources, has agreed in principle to help India out in its search for energy.

Ms. Gandhi called on the Russian President on Thursday afternoon.

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