India ruthless on defense deals bribery: Defense Minister Anthony

Indian Defence Minister A K Antony said the government will not hesitate to cancel contracts "if there is malpractice" in procurements. Defence Minister A K Antony on Wedneday said the government will not hesitate to cancel contracts "if there is malpractice" in procurements. During Antony's previous tenure as Defence Minister, the government had cancelled at least two defence deals, including the Eurocopter light utility helicopter deal last year owing to some malpractices by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Giving a stern warning to Indian private industries who intend to enter into contracts with foreign suppliers and OEMs, the Defence Minister said; "They should not try to bribe our people". He said, "If they try, they will face the consequences, as also the officers and manufacturers who are in touch with them". Indicating the government's strong conviction in rooting out corruption, Antony said, "We will not be lenient. We will take strong action". Earlier after inaugurating the seminar, Antony told the army officers and industry representatives that the government would no more tolerate "wheeling dealing or corruption". He said, "We will ruthlessly cancel contracts in the future also as in the past. This is not a happy experience but we will be forced to take such action."