Sistema mulls foray into navigational tech, pharma

Russian telecom major Sistema is planning to diversify its operations in India and would soon make a foray into navigational technologies and pharmaceuticals, Alexander Chinayaev, Chief Representative, JSFC Sistema said here today.

"We entered India as mobile service providers, but we forayed into microchip and RUIM (SIM cards for CDMA mobiles) card manufacturing through Sitronics, a division of Sistema. Similarly we may enter into manufacturing navigational receivers for GLONASS," Chinayaev said.

GLONASS, (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the Russian equivalent of the US controlled GPS.

Russia and India recently signed an MoU to set up a joint venture to manufacture GLONASS receivers. The MoU was signed by Russian federal GLONASS operator NIS and Indian Space Research Organisation.

The joint venture will also develop GLONASS infrastructure in India and provide GLONASS services in this country.

Chinayaev said some senior officials of Sistema group recently met the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and explored the possibilities for cooperation in pharmaceuticals as well.

"We are trying to explore the market. We have not zeroed on any plans. But we are interested in Pharma and biotechnology fields in Andhra Pradesh. It can be a tie-up or cooperation sort of arrangement we are looking for," Chinayaev said.