India to build satellite tracking station in Vietnam

New Delhi

INDIA will set up a satellite tracking and imaging centre in southern Vietnam that will give Hanoi access to pictures from Indian earth observation satellites that cover the region, including China and the South China Sea, Indian officials said.

The move, which could irritate Beijing, deepens ties between India and Vietnam, who both have long-running territorial disputes with China. While billed as a civilian facility - earth observation satellites have agricultural, scientific and environmental applications - security specialists said that improved imaging technology meant that the pictures could also be used for military purposes.