Production of T-90 Tanks
	18:20 IST

/LOK SABHA/             Heavy Vehicles Factory has so far supplied 181 T-90 tanks to Army. No technical problems viz barrel bursting has been observed in T90 tanks. The problem of barrel bursting was noticed earlier in T-72 tank. The bursting of barrel in T-72 tanks occurred in barrels of Russian origin as well as of Indian origin. The problem was analysed in consultation with Russian experts and remedial action towards modifying the chemistry of material has been taken.                         This information was given by the Minister of State for Defence Production Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to Shri A Krishna Swamy and Shri Kuldeep Bishnoi in Lok Sabha today. INDO-US COOPERATION ON MARINE POLLUTION             No decision on a proposal received from the Government of USA on the Proliferation Security Initiative has been taken. It will not be desirable to disclose any further details in the matter in the interest of national security.             A Framework on Maritime Security Cooperation has been agreed to between the Governments of India and USA. The Framework aims to address, in a joint and combined manner as necessary, consistent with respective national legal authorities and relevant international law, maritime threats, including piracy and armed robbery at sea, threats to safety of ship, crew and property as well as safety of navigation, transnational organized crimes in all dimensions, threats from weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials, environmental degradation and natural disasters. According to the Framework, two countries are also to exchange information and facilitate technical assistance on combating marine pollution, as mutually agreed.             This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Chandrakant Khaire and Shri Kuldeep Bishnoi in Lok Sabha today. samir / raj