[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1297]]



        INDIA, RUSSIA AGREE ON $10 BILLION IN DEFENSE CONTRACTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2001

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on June 4, the Information Times 
reported that India and Russia have signed $10 billion worth of defense 
contracts. This is not good for American interests in the world or for 
the cause of freedom.
  Much has been written lately about the Indian Government's desire to 
improve its relations with the United States. However, we must not 
forget that India just recently voted to oust the United States from 
the UN Human Rights Commission. It supported a Chinese bid to table our 
resolution condemning Chinese human-rights violations. In May 1999, 
according to the Indian Express, Defense Minister George Fernandes 
convened a meeting with the ambassadors to India from Cuba, Communist 
China, Libya, Yugoslavia, and Russia to construct a security alliance 
``to stop the U.S.'' India was an ally of the former Soviet Union and 
publicly supported its invasion of Afghanistan.
  Mr. Speaker, America's national interests are best served by seeking 
new allies in south Asia. The best way to achieve that is to support 
the legitimate aspirations for freedom of the occupied and oppressed 
nations of South Asia such as Khalistan, Kashmir, Nagalim, and several 
others by means of a free and fair plebiscite under international 
supervision on the question of independence. Until India allows that 
democratic vote and permits all the minorities and every citizen to 
exercise their rights freely, we should cut off all aid to India. That 
should focus their attention on practicing democratic principles, not 
on grabbing every available military technology in pursuit of hegemony 
in South Asia. These are the best measures we can take to support the 
cause of freedom in the Indian subcontinent.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Information Times article of 
June 4 into the Record.

     India, Russia Sign About 10 Billion Dollars Defense Contracts

       Russia, 4 June 2001 (VOA): India and Russia have signed 
     defense contracts worth some $10 billion as the two countries 
     seek to increase their military cooperation.
       The signing came during a visit to Russia by Indian Foreign 
     Minister Jaswant Singh.
       Singh arrived in Moscow late Sunday for a series of 
     meetings with Russian officials that will also focus on the 
     United States' proposal for a national missile defense 
     system.
       Russia opposes the plan, while India has indicated it is 
     open to the idea.
       Among the agreements already concluded are major Indian 
     purchases of Russian Su-30MKI fighter jets and T-90 tanks.
       Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov says the two 
     countries will sign an agreement later this year to jointly 
     develop a military transport aircraft and a next-generation 
     fighter plane.
       Klebanov says contracts for the sale of a Soviet-era 
     aircraft carrier to India will be signed later this year.
       India has traditionally been one of the largest customers 
     for Russian weapons.

     

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