(Reopens DEL64)

Saraswat said research and innovation programme of DRDO will not be affected in anyway by the recommended 10 per cent cut in the defence budget in the next fiscal. "I don't think it will have any impact as far as overall development strategy of DRDO is concerned," he said when asked whether the programmes of the organisation would be hit by the proposed cut. "...So far our requirements of budget have been fully met by the allocation we have. We have had no problem so far. Now, depending upon the economic situation of the country, if we have to prioritise our activities we should do that," Saraswat said. Earlier, Saraswat, who is considered as the "father of Indian ballistic missile defence programme", was felicitated by FICCI on being conferred with the Padma Bhushan Award. FICCI also felicitated distinguished defence scientist Avinash Chander on being conferred with the Padma Shri award.