The Hindu : Focus on defence exports to developing nations: Rajagopal

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 24, 2003

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National

Focus on defence exports to developing nations: Rajagopal

By Our Staff Reporter

COIMBATORE Feb. 23. The Union Minister of State for Defence, O. Rajagopal, has said that the Centre is according priority to defence exports to developing countries.

He told reporters here today that India had made rapid strides in defence technology and reached a stage of self-reliance. The objective was indigenous production and exploring possibilities of exports to other developing nations that may look forward to supplies from India. But in spite of the potential the country had in defence production, in the form of resource capability, know-how and technical expertise, lack of political will had prevented its full exploitation. "Unfortunately, for many years the aspect of indigenisation was not given due emphasis. The NDA Government wanted to change this and the Pokhran tests was a step towards this. Another achievement on this front is the Saras, the indigenously built aircraft that will be flight-tested in June".

The Hindustan Aeronautics had manufactured helicopters that had uses both in the defence and the civilian sectors. The models for civilian use could be purchased by private parties and even the State Governments.

Asked whether a survey of the market potential of Indian defence produce had been made, he said that so far, only demand-driven efforts had been taken. But, now there was a need for an initiative for a market survey.

With regard to the public sector units in defence, the Minister ruled out disinvestment in the strategic sectors, 26 per cent private participation was allowed in certain non-strategic sectors, subject to conditions of licensing.

On the controversy surrounding the issue of handing over of land to the Adivasis in Kerala, he said only the enactment of a 1975 legislation, aimed at restoring the land to them, would help resolve the problem. "So far, no effort has been taken to pass the legislation as the land had been occupied by powerful groups that had a firm grip on the administration in the State. Hence, the resentment among the tribals is natural".

He also alleged that the Kerala Government had been favouring a particular section of the tribals, which had led to the present crisis.

On the row over the construction of a weir across Bhavani river by Kerala, he said Tamil Nadu and Kerala should find a solution through talks in the interest of the farmers in both States.

On the charges that Kerala continued with the construction in spite of the Union Environment Ministry's directive to stop it, Mr. Rajagopal said "the Centre's directive should be complied with".

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