KOCHI: Sending out a message that corruption over Defence procurements will not be tolerated, Defence Minister A K Antony has said that the national interest is of prime importance. He was speaking to reporters at the Coast Guard district headquarters here on Wednesday. Regarding the recent blacklisting of six companies, the Defence Minister said: “We are not against any company or country. For the ministry, India’s interests are paramount. Our policy is clear - no cover up; no vendetta.” In the backdrop of reports that the delay in Defence procurement has been affecting India’s battle-preparedness, Antony said that the procurements will be made more transparent. “The corruption will not be tolerated. If there is an iota of suspicion, probe will be carried out. If something wrong is found, strong action will be taken,” he said. Asked about the shortage of ammunition for tanks after blacklisting some companies, the Defence Minister said: “It is a double edged thing. When there is corruption we cannot remain silent. There will not be any delay. The procurements are being done in a transparent manner. The neighbouring countries are spending like anything on Defence activities. We are also strengthening the procurement.” Antony pointed out that it is not the first time that the allegations and criticisms are coming up. “Allegations will always be there. It is about how you deal with it. If something is found, procurement will be kept aside. Some powerful countries or companies may not like it. When people do not get contracts, there will be criticisms and allegations. Some companies try to persuade officials and influence those associated with procurements. If it is proved, action will be taken”. When asked if such companies are behind the recent allegations Antony said: “I do not say who is behind the allegations. In Defence services as you go upwards, the promotion possibilities are less as it is like a pyramid structure.” Antony said that six companies from Israel, Russia, Germany and Singapore along with two from India were blacklisted recently. Asked about the delay in procurements, Antony said the Defence Acquisition Council which met last week had cleared three procurement plans -the annual plan, the five-year plan and the long term perspective plan for 15 years from 2012-27,” he said. Antony denied reports of any differences of opinion between the Army and the Defence Ministry. “There is no communication gap between us. Also, there is no confrontation. When there are issues, they will be discussed. That is not confrontation. We function like a joint family. I am very comfortable,” he said. When asked about the Parliamentary Panel on Defence summoning three Service Chiefs, Antony said: “The panel has its own powers. Parliamentary Panel had called the service chiefs earlier also. Last year, the Public Accounts Committee had called the heads of all the three forces.”Piracy On the increasing incidents of piracy, the Defence Minister said India has always asked the United Nations to take a strong stand on the issue. “There are strong forces working behind the pirates. We need to take strong efforts to make our waters piracy free. The Coast Guard and the Navy are taking efforts in this direction.” A new system for coastal security of Laksahdweep Islands - Island watch - is being introduced.
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