Scorpene leak not a big concern: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday played down the leak in information on Scorpene submarines, saying it is not a big concern.

The minister, however, added that assuming the worst case scenario, the issues that may be of concern are being ascertained.

"We are waiting for the report. Basically what is on the website (of newsaper The Australian) is not of concern to us but we are assuming on our own that this has been leaked and we are taking all precautions," the Defence Minister said the sidelines of an event here.

He stressed the documents do not contain information on the weapons.

He added that as the trial of the first submarine Kalvari are on, signatures are yet to be established.

"The most important signature does not form part of the documents."

"What I am given to understand is that there are a 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 to put things in right perspective," Parrikar said.

Asked whether it may affect the Rafale fighter jet deal, the minister shot back saying: "You stop using all products from France? Obviously, the companies are different, the type of equipment is different and an incident should be punished with whatever the contractual punishment is there. It is not intentionally leaked."

--IANS

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