The Hindu : National : “Defence deals not at the cost of transparency”

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Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007
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“Defence deals not at the cost of transparency”

Special Correspondent

We will not tolerate corruption, and not proceed unless doubts are cleared, says Antony

“Will not abandon old friends for improving relations with new ones”
“DPSUs must survive in the market by performance alone”

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A.K. Antony has said that defence deals will not be rushed into at the cost of transparency. The government is taking all efforts to modernise the armed forces.

Any reference from responsible quarters on issues of corruption will be probed, he said while addressing Parliamentary Consultative Committee members attached to his Ministry here on Monday.

Controversies

In the past, there have been controversies relating to deals with some companies “under a cloud” and “we will not proceed unless those doubts are cleared. We will not tolerate corruption,” he said.

Defence cooperation with other countries has undergone a sea change after the end of the Cold War.

India now sources equipment and platforms from many countries, including Russia, the U.K., France, Germany, Israel and of late, the United States. However, its relationship with Russia is time-tested and will continue, he said.

“We will not abandon old friends for improving relations with new ones.” Describing his recent Russia visit as “successful,” Mr. Antony said both countries had inked an inter-governmental agreement for the joint development and production of the fifth generation fighter aircraft.

Delay in delivery

There is some delay in the delivery of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov but the two nations are trying to resolve the issues of discord.

Commending the role of defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), he said their output last year exceeded the target by Rs. 2,000 crores.

They have now matured to the extent of independently undertaking design and development work as well as product upgrades.

Focus on conduct

But its top brass should continue with its focus on proper product support and serviceability of the supplies made to the services, cost effectiveness and adherence to time and cost milestones. Though the government supports the DPSUs, they must survive in the market by performance alone.

The Lok Sabha members who attended the meeting included Suresh Kalmadi, Naveen Jindal, M.A. Kharabela Swain, Jayaben B Thakkar, Samik Lahiri, A. Shivajirao Patil, Sanjay Dhotre, Shankhlal Majhi, M. Shivanna and Prem Kumar Dhumal.

The Rajya Sabha members present were Karan Singh, Santosh Bagrodia, Syed Azeez Pasha, Vinay Katiyar and D.P. Sabharwal.

Role by DPSUs

They complimented the role played by the DPSUs but expressed concern over delays in the development and production of the Light Combat Aircraft, MBT Arjun, and advanced jet trainer aircraft.

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