Russia and India are considering a joint venture to develop navigation equipment for the global navigation satellite system (Glonass).

Glonass, the Russian version of the US global positioning system (GPS), enables users to identify their position to within a few metres.

Navigation and Information Systems CEO Aledxander Gurko was quoted by Ria Novosti as saying that the company was working on a project to establish a joint venture on Indian territory to produce various navigation equipment.

The system of 22 Glonass satellites in orbit has 16 operational satellites. It requires 18 operational satellites for continuous navigation services across Russia and 24 for services worldwide.

Gurko said that Russia and India would sit for another round of talks.

The Glonass system is scheduled to begin operations worldwide by the end of 2010, following which, India will be able to use its civilian signal.