Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether some of the tainted companies in VVIP helicopters deal have applied for tenders for supply of helicopters for Indian Coast Guards and Navy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether these above companies have been blacklisted by Government for involvement in bribery in VVIP helicopter deal;

(d) if so, the details thereof and how they have applied for fresh tenders;

(e) if not, the reasons for not blacklisting these companies; and

(f) by when these companies would be blacklisted?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. M/s Agusta Westland has submitted bids for Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) of Navy and Twin Engine Helicopters proposal of Indian Coast Guard.

(c) to (e): No decision regarding blacklisting of Agusta Westland Company has been taken so far, as the matter is under examination.

(f) As the case is under investigation by CBI, no specific date can be given at this stage.

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Defence Economics & Industry