(a) whether Russia has completely ignored India`s interest by signing an agreement with America with regard to setting up of Missiles Data Centre;
(b) if so, the details of the agreement;
(c) whether Russia has signed the agreement at the cost of its relations with India and China; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a) No Sir.
(b) At a summit meeting in Moscow last month, US and Russia agreed through a joint MOU to establish a Joint Data Exchange Centre for exchanging data generated by the two countries` space and ground based warning systems on launches of missiles or Satellite Launch Vehicles. This would be expanded through a phased programme to include exchange of information on launches conducted by other States. The MOU also refers to the creation of conditions for a database that can be used as part of a multilateral regime.
(c) No Sir.
(d) Does not arise.