Indian Government Says Approves Memorandum On Space Cooperation With Russia

The Indian government said on Friday it had approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia on joint activities within the framework of a manned space program.

NEW DELHI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th December, 2018) The Indian government said on Friday it had approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia on joint activities within the framework of a manned space program.

"Signing of the MoU will strengthen the cooperation between India and Russia and would provide impetus to develop the technologies and advanced systems required for the human space flight programme like radiation shielding, life support systems, crew module, rendezvous and docking systems, space suit, training for astronauts etc," the statement says.

The memorandum will ensure setting up a Joint Working Group, which will develop a plan of further joint activities.

In August, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the country planned to launch its first national manned mission into space before 2022, when India would celebrate the 75th anniversary of independence. The spacecraft has already received the name Gaganyaan, which means "Skycraft." During the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi in October, Modi said that he was counting on Russian assistance in this project.

Earlier in the month, Indian Ambassador to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma told Sputnik that the actual practical cooperation between the two states on Gaganyaan project would begin as early as 2019.