Date:03/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070360961100.htm

National

‘Offset policy brings in technology’

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: India’s offset policy in defence purchases has resulted in an increased flow of technology into the country and boosted private sector participation in the sector, Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju said here on Wednesday.

“Under the policy, goods and services worth $10 billion would be sourced from within India during the 11th Plan period. This has provided tremendous possibilities for Indian industry.”

Mr. Raju was addressing journalists after handing over to Bharat Electronics Limited the software and documents of Humsa-NG — a new generation sonar, for use in warships, developed by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Trikkakkara.

The Minister attributed the delay plaguing many Defence Research and Development Organisation projects to the sanctions imposed on India following its nuclear tests. “While the three services seek to acquire long-term capability and frequent upgrading of weapon systems, DRDO scientists strive to perfect existing systems and this too has caused some delay,” he said. The NPOL’s range of sonars was among the best of its class in the world and pride of the DRDO.

Mr. Raju said the Indian Ocean could become an ocean of hostilities if it was not safeguarded. A major concern was the movement of submarines of other powers in the region, apart from naval build-ups in the neighbourhood. With India becoming the dominant power in the Indian Ocean region, the whole world was looking up to its Navy to ensure safe passage of ships and other assets.

To a question on discontent in the armed forces over salary and jawans killing officers for not granting leave of absence, Mr. Raju said Defence Minister A.K. Antony had asked the forces to be liberal in sanctioning leave. “He has also asked some DRDO laboratories to study the causes of too much mental pressure on personnel. The recommendations will soon be implemented.”

Among those present were DRDO Chief Controller (R and D) A. Sivathanu Pillai, BEL Chairman and Managing Director V.V.R. Sastry and NPOL Director S. Anantha Narayanan.