NEW DELHI, Feb 19: India today conveyed to the UK its “serious concerns” over allegations of “unethical means” used to secure Rs 3600 crore VVIP chopper deal involving Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, to which Britain assured all possible help while asserting that it has one of the strongest anti-bribery law in the world.
After having wide-ranging talks which included key issues of nuclear energy cooperation, security, terrorism and trade with his British counterpart David Cameron, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he conveyed India’s “serious concerns” pertaining to the chopper scam and sought his “full assistance” on the issue.
Singh and Cameron read out statements at a joint press meet without taking any questions.
Noting that they reviewed the entire expanse of their bilateral ties, Singh also said that the two sides have also decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Agreement.
Giving details of his discussions, he said “I also conveyed to Prime Minister Cameron our very serious concerns regarding allegations about unethical means used in securing the 2010 contract for Agusta Westland helicopters.
“I told him that we have sought an explanation from the company by February 22 to examine if the contractual provisions on unethical practices and the Integrity Pact have been violated. I have sought full assistance from the UK in this case. Prime Minister Cameron has assured me of the cooperation of his Government in the investigations.”
On his part, Cameron said,”In terms of AgustaWestland… we will respond to any requests for information. I am glad the Italian authorities are looking into this issue in detail as Finmeccanica is an Italian company, a parent company of AgustaWestland.
“Let me make it absolutely clear that in Britain, we have introduced an anti-bribery legislation that is probably the strongest anywhere in the world and will root out any problem of bribery or corruption whenever and wherever they appear,” Cameron said.
Thanking Cameron for Britain’s support for India’s full membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other multilateral export control regimes, Singh said,”We have also decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Agreement.”
Cameron also expressed willingness on UK’s part to “rewrite” the rules on sharing technology in a bid to increase high-tech exports and said he had detailed discussions on defence and security cooperation, including in the field of cyber security.
Singh noted that he had very “candid and productive discussions” on regional and global issues and shared their perspectives on the security and political transition in Afghanistan.
“Prime Minister Cameron and I agreed that in keeping with our strategic relationship, it is important for our two sides to consult closely and remain sensitive to each other’s interests,” Singh said.
Noting that they had discussions at length to enhance cooperation in fighting terrorism, Cameron said both countries have been victims of terrorism and “We will work together.
“We agreed on the need for a stable and secure Pakistan which is at peace with itself and with its neighbours and which will eradicate the threat the terrorists pose both within and beyond its borders. We said that must include Pakistan bringing to justice the perpetrators of the terrible attack in Mumbai and we will work together to that end.”
He said the two sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan. “Let me make it clear that Britain is not abandoning Afghanistan. We will continue to support Afghanistan even after our troops have left through the training of the Afghan armed forces and we will back that with substantial longterm economic aid”.
Cameron said it was part of the international plan to prevent the war-torn country from becoming a “safe haven” for terrorists once again.
Singh also said Cameron’s personal commitment and leadership has imparted a strong momentum to the strategic partnership between India and the UK.
On trade front, he said they expressed satisfaction with progress in economic engagement, while stressing the need to do more to take the relationship to a new level.
“We discussed ways to generate higher growth in our trade. I invited increased British investments in India, including in infrastructure and energy. We have asked our officials to explore British participation in India’s National Manufacturing and Investment Zones and in a possible industrial corridor in the Mumbai-Bangalore sector,” he said.
India also sought Prime Minister Cameron’s support in ensuring an early conclusion of a fair, balanced and forward looking broad-based India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement, which will open new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries, the Indian Prime Minister said.
The two leaders also discussed the prospects of enhanced cooperation in the development of defence industrial base of India through greater emphasis on technology transfer, co- development and co-production.
Stressing that education and science and technology are special areas of India-UK cooperation, Singh said he has impressed upon visiting dignitary the need for a visa regime that facilitates greater movement of people between the two countries so that this cooperation can be further energised.
Cameron, who is heading a biggest-ever business delegation, flew into the national capital this morning from Mumbai where he had stayed for a night. In Mumbai, he had announced that UK will introduce same-day visa service for Indian businessmen wanting to invest there and also clarified that there was no limit on the number of incoming students from India.
On international issues, they also had “productive discussions” on Iran and West Asia. (PTI)
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