Changes in FDI policy in defence threat to national security: Congress
New Delhi: Reacting sharply to the "sweeping" changes in the FDI policy in defence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit, Congress on Monday demanded its withdrawal alleging it posed a "big threat" to national security and India's independent foreign policy.
"Allowing 100 per cent FDI in defence sector means India's defence sector is thrown mostly into the hands of Nato-American defence manufacturers," senior party leader and former Defence Minister AK Antony said in a strongly-worded statement.
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Noting that it is immediately after Prime Minister's US visit the government has brought "sweeping" changes in the FDI policy, he alleged it posed a "big threat" to national security and India's independent foreign policy.
"Naturally it will affect the India's independent foreign policy too. It will also threaten the national security. Moreover, it will have an adverse impact on the ongoing indigenous defence research activities in the country," he said.
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It is "very important" to note that all such changes happen immediately after Modi's recent American visit.
Turning to the joint statement issued by Modi and US President Barack Obama, he claimed it resembles like India has become a "security partner of America".
Noting that the statement says that both India and America will work together as equal partner for peace and security of Asia-pacific region, he said the announcement in the joint statement about the cooperation between India and America to ensure the security of Gulf and West Asia will also create "very serious problems".
Insisting that after the joint statement, the cooperation between India and US in defence sector is changed from a "friendly nature to a partnership", he said it will naturally affect India's relations with its natural friendly countries.
"I strongly condemn this move. It is against the interest of the country and its people. I also urge Modi government to withdraw the decisions affecting national interest," he added.
