Antony warns against graft in military deals

Warning that “extreme steps” can be taken even if corruption is detected in the last stages of completion of a deal,the Minister addressing a seminar on defence acquisition said,“Do not try to corrupt our people. I do not want to be a party to any corrupt practice and will not allow even a rupee of Indian taxpayer’s money to be spent on graft.”

Maintaining that defence acquisition process would not be based on political decision,he said,“Up to the trial stage,technical soundness of a product will determine whether it will remain in race. After that it is the price which will

determine its selection for procurement.”

The defence industrialisation process must be accelerated to ensure modernisation and upgrade of security infrastructure in the country,he said.

“However,in our enthusiasm to modernise and upgrade our security infrastructure,we must not allow our defence acquisition procedures to be manipulated or corrupted,” he said.

Our primary objective must be to stay competitive and yet remain cost efficient,as well as technologically and strategically reliable,said Antony.

On the need to develop latest strategic and conventional capabilities,Antony said,“Today the nature of warfare has shifted,and challenges range from asymmetric threats,terrorism,internal disturbances to conventional warfare in a nuclear backdrop.”

On opportunities available to private players in defence sector,the Minister said that there is a lot of scope in the defence sector in spheres like infrastructure development,logistics,training,simulation and exports.

“Defence can provide enormous scope for Indian industry in becoming an important constituent of global defence supply chain. Joint ventures and technical collaborations would help it to strive for excellence in Defence R&D,design,engineering and manufacturing,” he said.

We can realize our full potential in defence research and development by achieving greater synergy between DRDO,defence PSU,ordnance factories,private sector and academia,he said.

To boost defence exports,Antony pointed out the need to nurture friendly,reliable,stable and long-term relation with suppliers with the highest degree of professionalism and commitment towards the country.

Highlighting India’s stand on peace,he said,“We need to ensure optimum deterrence to fully safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. Peace and security go hand in hand with social and economic progress and depend on one another.”