France, Eu congratulates India for successful landing of MIP

New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) France and the European Union
Saturday hailed the successful landing of India's Moon Impact
Probe (M.I.P.) on lunar surface and expressed keenness to
strengthen the existing scientific cooperations with this
country in the field of space.

"France, on behalf of the European Union, warmly
congratulates India for the successful landing of the Moon
Impact Probe and the launch of the lunar exploration
programme," a statement issued by the French Embassy said.

France is the current chair of the 27-nation European
Union.

"This remarkable success of the Indian space vehicle
confirms a new India's eminent position among the world-class
scientific and technological powers," the statement said.

It said France and the European Union "look forward to
the strengthening of the existing scientific cooperations with
India in the field of space, which are particularly promiseful
for the development of science and knowledge worldwide."

The M.I.P., carrying India's national tricolour landed
on the Moon last night, making India the fourth country to
mark its physical presence on the Moon.