MoD not yet decided on future of deal

Mar 24, 2013 - Ram Gopal Varma |

Age Correspondent

Top sources in the ministry of defence (MoD) said on Saturday that the MoD would take the “appropriate decision” at the “right time” on the future of the VVIP helicopter deal and that “the MoD cannot be influenced by anyone”.
The ministry of defence is currently studying the reply of Italian-owned UK-based company Agusta Westland which has denied paying any kickbacks to clinch the deal inked in 2010. The ministry of defence is expected to soon decide whether to cancel the deal or not.

Meanwhile, in a clear reference to the controversy over bribery allegations in the VVIP helicopter deal, the MoD on Saturday said, “Referring to some recent developments which have put the defence acquisition process under the scanner, Mr Antony said (at a DRDO conference on Saturday) that such incidents highlight the need to look within and make us realise that there is absolutely no substitute to self reliance.
“If our indigenisation goals are to be realised, DRDO will have to take the lead in this regard. Other stakeholders, for instance, the services, the MoD and private industry in the defence sector too must cooperate to ensure quick, honest and transparent acceptance of the systems.”
According to the MoD, defence minister A.K. Antony said unfinished projects, which are in the pipeline for a very long time, should be concluded at the earliest.
“In this connection, he (Mr Antony) drew the attention to the light combat aircraft (LCA) project and said DRDO must not extend further the date beyond 2014 ... for the Final Operational Clearance of the Tejas for induction into the IAF,” the ministry of defence said.

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