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Journalism of Courage
The Cabinet Committee on Security is to take a decision on a law ministry suggestion that key defence purchases from
Israel8217;s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd be put on hold. The ministry8217;s advice is premised on the mention of the organisation in the CBI8217;s FIR on alleged kickbacks in a Barak missiles deal. Two worrisome points emerge from this. One, the fact that the matter has been pending for weeks with the CCS, that it has even needed to go to the committee, suggests a shocking degree of faintheartedness in the government. It recalls successive administrations8217; denial over Bofors, letting an allegation of kickbacks keep them from utilising and maintaining what was technically a good acquisition. Two, given Rafael8217;s place in Israeli defence production, this kind of blackballing would amount to putting in abeyance defence procurements from that country. Israel is so crucial for most of India8217;s defence needs that this would mean nothing less than affecting this country8217;s preparedness.
The point is not to be awed by Israel8217;s defence supplies and overlook any breach of procedure. In cases under investigation, the law must 8212; and it will 8212; take its course. But pragmatism demands that we separate a particular case from self-defeating standoffs. These standoffs feed on the paranoia amongst government officials and ministers about being hounded for dealings with companies and organisations seen to be tainted. It draws upon, just as in the Bofors case, ploys to keep alive issues with political twists. But in Israel8217;s case, we also worry that domestic politics could determine government agenda. Any which way, the law ministry8217;s advice would affect India8217;s defence preparedness.
