OJPAR, (NASIK DISTRICT): Defence Minister Sharad Pawar says India does not wish to compete with Pakistan in acquiring delivery systems or nuclear warheads, but asserts that if Islamabad attempts anything foolish our retaliation will cause suffering to generations to come cross the frontier.
Pawar was answering reporters’ questions after the official function held here where he formally halted over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) the 100th MiG-27M produced at the Nasik Division of the MG complex of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Hal). He handed over to the chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.C.Suri, a briefcase of documents pertaining to the milestone jet craft bearing camouflage paint patterns and pennon number TS600. The supersonic tactical attack fighter, 7% of its assemblies and components indigenous in contrast to the earlier knock-down kits assembled at the sprawling plant, was parked on the tarmac overlooked by the control tower.
Replying to another question, the Minister maintained that the pro-Indo-US joint naval exercises will not be called off despite taken note of US Trade Representative Carla Hills out spoken views on the matter of Super 301 and our Ambassador, Abid Hussein, had been instructed to Jodge India’s disappointment over the issue. So far as the official report of the Pentagon went where an undeniably anti-Indian refrain was discernible, Pawar mentioned that in his talks with US Defence Secretary Dick Cheney he was assured that the document did not reflect American policy. Pawar also indicated that he had impressed upon the Americans that India’s step to enhance its telecommunications was motivated for peaceful purposes and had no military applications. He added that New Delhi would have no hesitation for giving a certificate vouching for this fact.
The Defence Minister pointed out those Indo-Russian agreements on technology transfers in the changed world scenario would be discussed with the high-level delegation from this Commonwealth State led by President Boris Yelstin senior aide and Russian State Secretary Gennady Burbulis arriving in the Capital. He specified that there was no hitch in obtaining rocket technology from the Russians if India could make the necessary payments in hard currency as the ravaged Russian economy required it. He said the Indian delegation would be comprised of Finance Minister Manmohan Singh and Minister of State for Commerce P. Chidambaram. Pawar would meet the Russians separately to discuss defence matters. He observed that India was facing some difficulty in obtaining the necessary product support.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 15, 1992
