Gujral wants U.S. to review its embargo policy

The Prime Minister Mr. I. K. Gujral, today asserted that “nobody can stop” the country from using the benefits of its achievements in science and technology for defence purposes.

However, every achievement should be interlinked for the overall progress of the nation, he said.

Addressing a brief press-meet at SHAR (Sriharikota Range), immediately after the successful launch of PSLV-C1, Mr. Gujral said many countries which could have assisted India had not only denied help, but also stood in its way of technological advancement. “The so-called developed countries are not interested in developing countries like India coming up,” he said. But “every denial was turned into an opportunity”.

To a precise question on the denial of help and prevention of development of technology by the West, he said there had been several instances like the refusal of supercomputers and cryogenic engines where the country was put in a disadvantageous position. “But every barrier is an opportunity.” he added.To another question on the embargo-regime of the U.S.. the Prime Minister said “in the interest of the good relations with our country, they should remove all embargo”. It was an issue he could discuss at length at levels with the U.S. Stressing the importance of self-reliance. Mr.Gujral said it alone would make “them see us as partners”. Once the international community accepted the achievements of the country, it will lead to interdependence, he said.

India had made significant achievements in various fields and among them, space had a lot of potential. Congratulating the ISRO Chairman. Dr. K. Kasturirangan and his team, he said: “a few minutes ago we looked at it with expectations. Now we look at it with a feeling of accomplishment”. The victory was a manifestation of teamwork. “We followed the motto, we shall overcome,” he said with an emphatic repetition, “we shall overcome”.

About the future of science and technology in India, the Prime Minister said that “no scientific endeavour will suffer from lack of funds”.

Expressing a “great deal of satisfaction,” over the performance of Indian scientists, he said the science and technology programme of the country would be multi-dimensional covering diverse areas such as defence, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and research at places like the CSIR. Mr. Gujral said science and technology had no end in view of the country’s progress.

On the spy-case involving ISRO scientists in Kerala, he said there was no secrecy.