18 defence contracts signed with foreign vendors last year

NEW DELHI: The government has signed 18 contracts with foreign vendors including those from USA, Russia, Israel, Germany, France and UK for procuring missiles, rockets and simulators etc in the last financial year.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told the Rajya Sabha that 18 contracts were signed between May 2014 and February 2015 with foreign vendors.

"Contracts are executed as per terms and conditions incorporated therein. The 18 contracts were signed by designated officers as per provisions of DPP 2013 which do not require the presence of Defence Minister at the signing," he said.

He added that Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) provides for direct dealing with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) or authorised vendors or government sponsored export agencies (applicable in case of countries where domestic laws do not permit direct export by OEM).

It also states that vendor is required to give full details of any agents, technical consultants, authorised vendors that may have been appointed by them for marketing of this equipment in India.

"These details should include the scope of work and responsibilities that have been entrusted with the said party in India," he said.