Tehran raises launch of Israeli spy satellite with New Delhi

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 5: Expressing concern over the launch by India of an Israeli satellite capable of spying, Tehran’s envoy to New Delhi today said his Government had taken up the matter “informally”.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Seyed Mehdi Nabizadeh, Iran’s Ambassador, said: “We hope that a wise and independent country like India will not give their space technology to launch any spying instruments on friendly countries. Our officials have expressed our point of view.”

Asked whether Tehran has conveyed this view to New Delhi at an official level, Mehdi said, “Formally, no. But informally, yes we have had a discussion.”

The 300 kg TECSAR satellite, equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload, has the capability to see through clouds and carry out day-night all weather imaging. It rode piggyback on the PSLV-C10 from Sriharikota on January 21. Israeli media said it would be used to spy on Iran’s nuclear programme.

“The Indian government says the issue is a technical and commercial one, but we hope that the matter can be considered from the political point of view,” said Mehdi.

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