"ISRO has a lot of knowledge," Botti said, adding EADS also sees potential between ISRO and the Franco-German group in the area of propulsion technology. EADS is looking at the possibility of working with ISRO in the context of "niche aeroplanes", he said.

EADS is keen on building "green" aeroplanes acceptable to society and it's here that he sees a partnership role for ISRO with his company.

EADS group, which includes Airbus, Eurocopter and Astrium, generated revenues of Euro 43.3 billion in 2008 and employed a workforce of 118,000.

Astrium, EADS' space business entity, already has a partnership with ISRO's commercial arm Antrix on joint building and delivery of satellites of two tonne to 2.5 tonne class.

Botti said EADS also saw opportunities in the biotech sector in India, adding, it's in discussions with companies in the space. "Biotechnology...we are going to look into very closely".

He praised the "lot of brain talent" and English-speaking highly educated youngsters in India, saying it motivated EADS to undertake research in this country.

Asked about the rejection of a proposed joint venture between EADS and Larsen and Toubro by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board because it would exceed cap on foreign investment, Botti said the issue is being evaluated.

"We are still in the understanding mode. Too premature to give information on this. We are trying to understand the situation," he said.

EADS-L and T proposal, to supply electronic warfare systems, avionics and radars, was rejected as it did not adhere to the 26 per cent upper limit prescribed for foreign direct investment in companies in the defence sector.

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