Sistema issue not judicial but political, says Russian envoy

An upset Russia on Friday said the issue of Sistema Telecom was not “judicial” but “political”, maintaining cancellation of the firm’s 2G licence was “not fair”, to which India asserted that it was "sensitive" to their concern and hoped the issue would be addressed.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid hoped that when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would meet President Vladimir Putin, India would have “adequate answers”, if the issue was raised, that would bring comfort.

Addressing a press conference here, Russian Ambassador to India Alexander M Kadakin said, “Very active talks are being held between Sistema and the concerned Indian ministries. I hope it is resolved. There is no problem that is unresolvable in Russia-India relations.”

He also said, “And for us, it is not a judicial matter. No, I am very much against this. This is a political issue for Russia because we have an agreement that safeguards each others' investments.”

When asked about Kadakin's remarks, Khurshid said, “I could be critical as well. But it will not help. We are bound by the judgements of the courts and because of the difficulties that we felt understanding the law, we preferred an advisory opinion.”

The minister also said the Supreme Court had not advised on the “fifth question” in relation to the matter. “So, there are important questions, particularly the 5th question that deals with the relief when there are international obligations,” he said. The minister said this will be brought to the notice of the chief justice and the Supreme Court and “they might want to take a fresh look at this. In the absence of the Supreme Court giving a very clear guidance on this, there isn't any executive decision that can be taken.”

Khurshid also made it clear that India was “sensitive” to Russia’s concern. “Issues of concern will be taken up and will be addressed...There are no insurmountable issues,” he said.