Tackling 'corrupt' defence deals a priority: Parrikar
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 12 November 2014 21:39 IST
India’s defence minister Manohar Parrikar said he will tackle the issue of controversial arms deals on priority basis.
“Most of the defence deals are gripped with corruption due to lobbying and kickbacks during the Congress regime. I will deal with these issues on priority”, said the new Goa-based defence minister.
This was the first two-day visit of former Goa chief minister, after getting inducted into the union cabinet on Sunday.
“Each procurement is involving thousands of crores of rupees. With more questioning, it is becoming more complicated. I have thus decided to make all such deals totally transparent in future”, said Parrikar.
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of ‘Make in India’ would be implemented in procuring defence equipments, while highly sophisticated weaponry would be an exception.
Replying to a question, he also said the country need not worry about Pakistan and China, but needed to build the defence capabilities over the next three years.
"I have realised that if someone properly heads the defence ministry, then we need not worry about Pakistan and China. We are strong enough ... we have to build our capability over the next two-three years," said Parrikar.
"We need to provide the armed forces the required logistical support. Prime Minister has given me the responsibility to provide all the support to defence forces. I am feeling more responsible because the defence deals are worth Rs one lakh crore," he said, talking to the reporters.
