New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival, India’s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid was optimistic Saturday about resolving the impasse involving Russian firm Sistema’s investment in the country.
“We have done some work on it (Sistema deadlock) and we’ll be able to take the matter forward. I think there is some positive, significant steps we have been able to take,” Khurshid told media persons here on the sidelines of an award ceremony for civil servants.
The issue has been hanging fire ever since the Supreme Court passed an order in February cancelling all 122 telecom licences, including of Sistema Shyam Teleservices, following allegations of bribery and corruption in the allocation of 2G spectrum.
Earlier this month, Sistema said it will seek “billions of dollars” in damages from India if the licence cancellation issue of its Indian telecom venture Sistema Shyam is not resolved in time.
On differences over India’s civil nuclear liability law, which are holding back a pact on Russia constructing units III and IV of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KNPP), Khurshid reiterated that India will not compromise its civil nuclear liability regime.
“The law is very clear on it. We have passed a law in the Indian parliament and regulations have been framed,” he said.
“We need to take the dialogue forward within the four corners of law and regulations. This applies irrespective of whether it is the Russians, Americans, whoever,” added Khurshid.
