NEW DELHI — India’s defense ministry has barred AgustaWestland and parent company Finmeccanica from a biennial military exhibition as the two companies are “under investigation” for breaching a pre-contract integrity pact concerning the now-canceled purchase of VIP transport helicopters for the Indian air force. “As per our policy, any company under blacklist ... [or] under investigation will not be allowed to participate in the DefExpo,” says G.C. Pati, ministry secretary for defense production.
NEW DELHI — With general elections expected before May, corruption scandals over high-profile defense deals, and a deflated rupee, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony, who has cultivated an image of integrity, has taken a go-slow approach on vitally needed military equipment projects.
