AGENCY
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday played down the Scorpene leak saying its a “not big worry”, but there are few pockets of concerns because the ministry is assuming the worst case scenario.
The defence minister said that the leaked documents put on the web of ‘The Australian’ newspaper does not include any of the weaponry systems of the Scorpene as been reported in the media.
Parrikar said that the navy has assured him that most of the leaked documents are not of concern. The minister also said that Scorpene submarine has not even fully completed the sea trials, which is important to understand how it will work under water.
The Indian Navy has taken up Scorpene document leak matter with French Directorate General of Armament.
“We are waiting for the report. Basically, what is on the website is not of big concern. We are assuming, on our own, that this has leaked and we are taking all precautions”, he said.
“What I am given to understand that there are few pockets of concern assuming that what is claimed to have been leaked has leaked actually.
“We are going by assumption of the worst case scenario. I think there is not big worry because we will be able out put things in right perspective”, Parrikar added.
Asked by a journalist whether the Rafale deal would be affected because of the leak, the minister shot back questioning whether one can stop using French products just because a leak has happened in another company.
