- Title: INDIA: China's anti-satellite test criticised
- Date: 6th February 2007
- Summary: (BN15) NEW DELHI, INDIA (FEBRUARY 05, 2007) (ANI) VARIOUS OF A SEMINAR A K ANTONY, INDIA'S DEFENCE MINISTER, ON THE DAIS DELEGATES SITTING CHIEF OF INDIAN AIR FORCE AIR MARSHALL S P TYAGI SITTING WITH ANTONY MORE OF THE DELETATES SITTING (SOUNDBITE) (English) A K ANTONY, INDIA'S DEFENCE MINISTER, SAYING: "India has always advocated peaceful use of technology. We are of the view that weaponisation of space must be discouraged. It is our collective response to ensure safety and security of assets in space like satellites. Work on development of anti-satellite weapons including those launched from the ground has been going on for a long time, not now, from a long time. This issue requires the urgent attention of the international community since this might trigger a new arms race. It could have a negative impact on defence and development of most nations." MORE OF THE SEMINAR
- Embargoed: 22nd February 2007 00:34
- Keywords:
- Location: India
- Country: India
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVAC17Y507PN1224F5BZZI3L1F73
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: India's Defence Minister A K Antony on Monday (February 5, 2007) criticised China for destroying a satellite with a missile last month, saying it would trigger a new arms race.
On Jan. 11, China used a ground-based ballistic missile to knock out an ageing weather satellite 865 km (540 miles) above Earth, scattering debris that could damage other satellites.
The move sparked alarm around the world, with the United States, European Union, and Japan voicing concerns of dangerous space debris and escalating military rivalry in space.
China denied it was seeking an arms race in space.
Antony said the international community should immediately address the issue.
"India has always advocated peaceful use of technology. We are of the view that weaponisation of space must be discouraged. It is our collective response to ensure safety and security of assets in space like satellites. Work on development of anti-satellite weapons including those launched from the ground has been going on for a long time, not now, from a long time. This issue requires the urgent attention of the international community since this might trigger a new arms race. It could have a negative impact on defence and development of most nations," Antony told an aerospace seminar in New Delhi.
Similar concerns were echoed by Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday, who said that the "weaponisation of space must be discouraged." - Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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