Galileo is slated to be operational by 2008 as a rival to the US Global Positioning System and be able to track everything from aircrafts to cars through 30 satellites.

"We are discussing it with China, Russia, Brazil and others whether they become members, whether they take a stake in the project, whether they share in the research and development, whether they sign a technical cooperation agreement with us," EU External Affairs Commissioner Patten told reporters in New Delhi.

India pledged a 350 million-dollar (300 million-euro) stake in Galileo in November.

Asked what India's collaboration would be, Patten said, "Whatever India wants it to be."

"We will be negotiating that in the coming months but I have no doubt at all that it will be good for India's scientific and technological community and it will benefit us too," he said.

China in October pledged 200 million euros (255 million dollars) for Galileo.

The United States has watched the development of Galileo warily and sought assurances it will not interfere with the Global Positioning System, which is run by the US Defense Department.

SPACE.WIRE