Date:16/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/16/stories/2008111661150800.htm

National

France, EU hail India’s moon probe

Special Correspondent

“This remarkable success confirms anew India’s eminent global position”

NEW DELHI: France, on behalf of the European Union, has congratulated India on the successful landing of the Moon Impact Probe and the launch of the lunar exploration programme.

“This remarkable success of the Indian space vehicle confirms anew India’s eminent position among the world-class scientific and technological powers,” said a statement from the French embassy here.

“France and the European Union look forward to the strengthening of the existing scientific cooperation with India in the field of space, which are particularly promising for the development of science and knowledge worldwide,” it added.

Active collaboration

France has been a longstanding partner in India’s space programme and there has been active collaboration between scientists from both countries.