Manmohan Singh says sought 'full assistance' from UK on chopper probe

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday his government had sought full assistance from the United Kingdom in investigating bribery allegations surrounding an Anglo-Italian helicopter deal.

Singh was speaking alongside British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a three-day visit to India to push trade ties amid a corruption row over a $750 million deal for a dozen AgustaWestland helicopters.

PM Manmohan Singh expressed his concern to visiting UK Prime Minister David Cameron about allegations of unethical means in securing AugustaWestland helicopter contract. Prime Minister Cameron assured him of the cooperation of his Government in the investigations.

"I also conveyed to the Prime Minister our very serious concerns regarding allegations about unethical means used in securing the 2010 contract of the AgustaWestland helicopters," Singh said.

"I have sought full assistance from the UK in this case. Prime Minister David Cameron has assured me of the cooperation of his government in the investigation."

Cameron, speaking after Singh, said his government would respond to any request for information about the deal.

Cameron and PM Singh reviewed the entire expanse of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over progress in the engagement.

" We discussed the prospects of enhanced cooperation in the development of the defence industrial base of India," PM singh said.