Level playing field, no politics in defence deals: Antony

New Delhi, Jul 12 (PTI) Promising a level playing field
for all firms in defence deals, Indian Defence Minister A K
Antony Tuesday asked them to refrain from corrupt practices
and ruled out any question of political interference in
military acquisitions.
"I want to tell vendors that in defence acquisition,
there is no question of political decisions," Antony said,
stressing that decisions related to defence acquisitions would
never be based on political considerations.
Addressing an international seminar on defence
acquisition, he said quality and price would be the only
criterion for buying equipment from such firms.
"Don't try to corrupt our people... Quality and price are
the only criteria in terms of acquisition. All the vendors
will get level playing field," he said.
The Defence Minister also asked the sellers of defence
equipment to inform the Ministry about the "corrupt and greedy
persons" they come across during such deals.
"In an effort to modernise our defence forces, we are not
willing to waste even one rupee of our tax payers money to
corruption," Antony said.
On participation of the private sector in the acquisition
process, he said, "There is a lot of space for private and
public sectors to coexist. In the years to come, both public
and private sectors would have to work together to meet the
country's demand."
Commenting on the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP), the
Minister said, "We want to strengthen defence industrial base.
The offset policy has far more potential than that has been
tapped. Offsets need a greater thrust to enhance research and
development, logistic capabilities and defence
infrastructure."