India, Russia oppose weaponisation of outer space

New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) India and Russia today opposed militarisation of outer space saying ''the genie should not be let out of the bottle.'' ''The fundamental position of Russia is that outer space should be weapon free...We should not let the genie out of the bottle. This is our position,'' Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters here today after discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Dr Singh said India's position was the same and it was not in favour of weaponisation of outer space.

''Our position is similar. We are not in favour of weaponisation of outer space,'' Dr Singh said.

The two leaders were addressing a press conference jointly after their discussions.

They were asked to comment on China's test launching of a satellite-busting missile.

Mr Putin said China was not the only country that had conducted such a test. Such tests had been conducted in 1980s, he added.

UNI