The Rediff Interview/Mulayam Singh Yadav

'Production of the Prithvi has started'

The relentless pressure being exerted by Western powers on the Indian political leadership to halt its missile programme inspires different reactions in the prime minister and his defence minister. While Inder Gujral keeps a low profile on the controversial issue, Mulayam Singh Yadav is in favour of accelerating the missile programme.

While the prime minister says that India's security will not be compromised at any cost, the defence minister demands more funds for priority national security projects, notably the missile programme. In this interview with Tara Shankar Sahay speaks his mind on the issue.

Is there any pressure from foreign powers to stop India's missile programme?

We all know there is an unfavourable reaction abroad when we talk about our missile programme. Things are no different now. I would not like to go into the details but I, for one, am determined to ensure that our missile programme, including the development of our Agni (the intermediate range ballistic missile) does not suffer because of lack of funds.

The Agni missile development programme under then prime minister Narasimha Rao made strides when it was proved as a technology demonstrator. What is the position now?

After that stage (Agni's worth as a technology demonstrator), there has been little progress. Whatever the reasons, I am in favour of Agni's further development, irrespective of pressure or no pressure.

On Sunday, your speech suggested that the prime minister and you are at variance on vital defence projects like the Agni programme.

I can tell you that the UF government speaks in one voice when we say that under no circumstances will our country's security, unity and integrity be compromised. I know that our government has numerous responsibilities. I just want to make sure that defence projects are not hindered by any sort of resource crunches. When I spoke, I was emphasising that financial considerations should not stand in the way of defence projects.

How do your see your role as the defence minister?

You know that I am peace-loving. The UF government has made its intentions clear about having good relations with its neighbours and other countries. But I will not permit any slackness in our defence preparedness. That is why I am alert to the situation. I repeat that India's security will in no way be compromised.

There are conflicting reports about the Prithvi missile. What exactly is the position?

Its production has started. We will not be found wanting in any respect when it comes to India's security. When you see the security scenario in South Asia, you know that we are alive to the situation and we do not intend to lag behind.

Isn't India's missile programme a sore point in Indo-US relations?

That is a question related to foreign policy and I would not like to comment on it. However, I will say that such relations should be improved, but certainly not at the cost of our security.

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