MEDVEDEV-TERROR 2LST

When asked if Russia would still be a superpower if the
USSR had not disintegrated, Medvedev said, "USSR had an
illusion that we are so strong and independent that we do not
need anybody. But internally we got weakened. I will say no
one should speak these words that we are a superpower."
Maintaining that USSR was out of touch with the rest of
the world, Medvedev recalled US President Barack Obama's words
"the world is a multi-polar society".
On the much-awaited delivery of aircraft carrier Admiral
Gorshkov to India, he said it was due to commercial and
technical reasons. "Admiral Gorshkov would be soon a part of
the Indian fleet with a different name."
Medvedev, who is keen on greater engagement with India
in the field of science, was taken around the Centre for
Research in Nanotechnology & Science on the campus where he
spent 25 minutes looking at the facilities.
"We showed him the technology we have developed on
explosive detection and low-cost cardiac diagnostic systems,"
said professor V Ramgopal Rao, head of the centre.
The President spoke of "Russ Nano", an initiative by the
Russian government which supports entrepreneurs working in the
field of nanotechnology.
"He said that IIT-Bombay and Russ Nano should
collaborate in developing low-cost technologies in the areas
of healthcare and security," said Rao.
Established in 1958, IIT-B received major support from
the erstwhile USSR in terms of funding, equipment and
expertise. PTI