The Ministry of Defence landed in a controversy after Congress alleged that Adani Defence and state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) joint venture is being favoured through tweaking procurement guidelines to participate in a Rs 45,000 crore submarine project — referred to as project 75-I.
In another development, the Defence Acquisitions Council meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slated for Friday had been deferred till January 21, sources said.
The Adani Defence and HSL joint venture matter, and it not qualifying for the contract bib are likely to be taken during the meet.
The Congress has alleged that through making changes in the procurement rules Adani Defence, with zero experience in submarine manufacturing along with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), is being allowed to participate in the Rs 45,000 crore submarine project.
The bid is for a contract under which an Indian shipyard will be chosen to manufacture six conventional submarines in collaboration with foreign partners.
The Congress has asked the government whether it is trying “to favour the Adani Defence JV” in the Rs 45,000-crore submarine project “in violation of the defence procurement procedures” and “by overruling” the Navy’s high-powered committee which “found the firm ineligible” for the deal.
In presser in Delhi, Congress’ Randeep Surjewala said (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) Modi government and the PMO (Prime Minister Office) overruled suggestions made by the empowered committee, constituted by the Indian Navy, although the deal had not been finalised yet.