'India can join Russia in Glonass project'

Bangalore, Jan 23 (UNI) India and Russia can work together in the ambitious project of Glonass, the global navigation satellite system being developed by his country, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergey Borisovich Ivanov said today.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the Glonass navigation system was expected to be completed by 2007. India had evinced keen interest in participating in the project, critical in the national security aspect.

Describing the relationship with India as one of the strongest and time-tested ones, he said it was very much open to exchange its strategic technological capabilities for military and civil purposes with India. Russia considered India as its exclusive partner to share its technological capabilities and strengthen tie-ups.

Mr Ivanov said Russia was ready to extend its cooperation with India beyond the construction of nuclear power plants like the Koodankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu. His country was also ready to discuss supply of nuclear fuel with India, subject to international regulations and conditions. ''Russia stands to offer any sort of cooperation for peaceful nuclear purposes,'' he added.

On sending Indian cosmonauts to Russian Space Station, the visiting dignitary said he saw no obstacle or constraints in the issue. Russia was also keen on developing its space activities to boost Space Tourism and if any Indian was interested in touring space, it could be considered.

He said Russia recognised India as the most advanced country in the Information Technology sector and was looking to explore possibilities to invoke its rich experiences in the areas of space research and related technologies. Russian scientists have acquired expertise in developing software technology in aviation and aerospace sectors and were working to build a technology park in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. He extended an invitation to Indian scientists to get trained in the proposed technology park.

UNI