India abstained from Arms Trade Treaty, will ensure no harm on national interest

NEW DELHI: India abstained from the Arms Trade Treaty adopted by the United Nations and the government will take all measures to ensure that it does not impact national interest, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply to the House, Defence Minister A K Antony also said India's position in this regard has been placed on record at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"India abstained from the draft Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which was adopted at UNGA session on April 2, as the it does not meet out requirements," he said.

The ATT aims at regulating the international trade in conventional arms, from small arms to battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships.

Antony said the government will take all necessary measures to ensure that the Treaty does not adversely impact the national interest.

In reply to a question on import of defence items, he said procurement is made from various indigenous as well as foreign sources, including the United States, in accordance with the Defence Procurement Procedure.

"Defence equipment has been imported from various countries, including Russia, USA, Israel, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland. The imports cover various types of weapon systems and platforms," he said.

Some of the recently concluded defence deals with foreign vendors are for Konkurs Missiles, UBK Invar Missiles, Basic Trainer Aircraft, MI-17 V5 helicopters, Sonobuoys, Torpedoes and Surveillance Radar Systems, Antony said.

Replying to a query whether India has handed over a Dornier surveillance aircraft to Seychelles, Antony said, "In view of the longstanding and cordial bilateral relations between both the countries, a Dornier 228 has been gifted to Seychlles."

The aircraft can be used for maritime surveillance functions.

Answering a question whether government is aware that a key US Senate committee report has found that a vast number of fake Chinese parts have been used in the US military equipment, Antony replied in affirmative and said, "Government is aware of the existence of such a report."