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| April 21, 2003 | Monday | Safar 18, 1424 |
India amassing WMDs: US Intelligence
WASHINGTON, April 20: Reporting that India continues to acquire technology and amass weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions, the US Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) states that “since the 1998 tests, New Delhi has continued efforts intended to lead to the development of more sophisticated nuclear weapons.”
The DCI reported this in an unclassified report to Congress on the acquisition of technology relating to weapons of mass destruction and advanced conventional munitions submitted to the US Congress, recently.
India, the report adds, continued to obtain foreign assistance for its nuclear programme, primarily from Russia, while Indo-Israel defence cooperation is expanding.
The report states that the underground nuclear tests in May 1998 “were a significant milestone” in India’s continuing nuclear weapons development programme.
India has the unsatiated yearning to possess and stockpile more and more missiles, though, “it still lacks engineering or production expertise in some key missile technologies.”
“The entities in Russia and Western Europe,” the report reveals, “remained the primary conduits of missile-related and dual-use technology transfer during 2001.”
During the reporting period i.e. January 1 to June 30, 2002, the DCI states, “India flight-tested the ‘Agni-I ballistic missile’ and continued work with the Russians on the Brahmos cruise missile.”
Israel also sought to expand its defence cooperation with India, the report says, adding: “in recent months, India and Israel engaged in negotiations for the sale of the Arrow-2 anti-tactical ballistic missile.
“Negotiations were also under way regarding the proposed sale of three PHALCON airborne early warning aircraft for approximately $1 billion.”
“India has already taken delivery of the Israeli Greenpine radar for installation at a ground site for use as an early warning platform— in conjunction with the PHALCON AEW aircraft,” the report states, adding: “Israel has also reportedly sold the Harpy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to India.”
With regard to Advanced Conventional Weapons (ACWs), the report adds, in the acquisition of ACWs, Russia continues to play an important role in India’s across-the-board modernization of its armed forces.
“Many key programmes have been plagued by delays, but New Delhi has received the first of a licensed upgrade of 125 MIG-21-93 fighter aircraft, working with Hindustan Aeronautics, limited.”
In 2001, the report says, New Delhi concluded an $800 million contract with Russia for 310 T-90s main battle tanks and a smaller contract for KA-31 helicopters.
It says, “India was also negotiating with Russia for nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier. India also continued to explore options for leasing or purchasing several airborne early warning systems.”
“In addition to purchasing the Green Pine radar from Israel, New Delhi also signed a $270 million contract with Tel Aviv for the ship-borne Barak-1 surface-to-air missile defence system. The Indian Air Force reopened the competition for jet trainer aircraft and is considering bids primarily from the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom,” the report added.—APP
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