The Defence Minister, A.K. Antony has called upon the top brass of the Army and Air Force not to succumb to corrupt practices indulged by vested interests in the garb of ‘aggressive marketing’. Addressing the commanders of the two Forces separately here, Antony asked them to strive for probity and fair play in their day-today dealings.

“Time and cost overruns apart, there is always the danger of falling prey to corrupt practices perpetrated by vested interests in the garb of aggressive marketing. I strongly urge you all to stand guard with resolve against any such overtures. You must strive to uphold sincerity, probity and fair play, even in your day to day administrative work”, Antony told Army commanders.

Political disturbances in West Asia and North Africa have forced fresh challenges for global security. Any adverse developments will without doubt have a far reaching effect on the energy security and overall security of the nations across the world. Antony said that the government remains fully committed to the modernisation of the Armed Forces and upgrading of infrastructure.

“For far too long, we have remained over dependent on foreign equipment.” Stating that “no nation will ever part with its first generation equipment,” he observed that modernisation and indigenisation must proceed apiece. “If our efforts to achieve self-reliance are to assume greater relevance, our soldiers, scientists and the defence industry must regularly consult each other—at every stage of designing, manufacturing and production of equipment to minimise procedural delays and understand each other’s requirements.”

Speaking to the Air Force Commanders earlier Antony said, “At times, vested interests bring about unnecessary pressure and resort to corrupt practices that can wreak serious havoc upon our security in more ways than one. We must resist such efforts collectively and resolutely in national interests. Even though I have full faith in your capacity and ability to uphold our security interests, I strongly urge you to remain vigilant, cautious and alert to any wrongdoing at all times.”