AFP Mar 6, 2012,
09.20PM IST
JERUSALEM: Israel's defence ministry said on Tuesday it was surprised by India's decision to blacklist six weapons firms, including a top Israeli manufacturer, in connection with a 2009 bribery scandal.
"We are surprised by the Indian defence ministry's decision (against Israeli Military Industries) because the process of hearings over the intended sanctions against the company has not been completed," spokesman Josh Hantman told AFP.
On Monday, India announced it was blacklisting six armament firms for 10 years for allegedly bribing an Indian bureaucrat.
"The firms were recommended for blacklisting by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the basis of evidence collected against them," the Indian defence ministry said on Monday.
The companies were asked to show why action should not be taken against them.
Those affected by the blacklist will be prevented from doing business with India's defence ministry for 10 years.
JERUSALEM: Israel's defence ministry said on Tuesday it was surprised by India's decision to blacklist six weapons firms, including a top Israeli manufacturer, in connection with a 2009 bribery scandal.
"We are surprised by the Indian defence ministry's decision (against Israeli Military Industries) because the process of hearings over the intended sanctions against the company has not been completed," spokesman Josh Hantman told AFP.
On Monday, India announced it was blacklisting six armament firms for 10 years for allegedly bribing an Indian bureaucrat.
The
sanctions targeted four foreign companies, namely Israel Military
Industries (IMI), Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd, Switzerland's
Rheinmetall Air Defence, and Russia's Corporation Defence (CDR).
The other two companies targeted, RK Machine Tools Ltd
and TS Kisan and Co Private Ltd, are both Indian.
"The firms were recommended for blacklisting by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the basis of evidence collected against them," the Indian defence ministry said on Monday.
"The decision to debar (the companies) was taken
today after taking into consideration their replies," the statement said.
But Hantman said the decision was premature and
unexpected, "especially in light of the fact that IMI had good reasons to
oppose this measure."
"The Israeli defence ministry will consult with
Israel Military Industries about how to respond to the Indian defence ministry
decision," he added.
In 2009, India froze deals worth $1.5 billion with seven
companies after police arrested a top defence ministry bureaucrat on charges he
allegedly accepted bribes from the firms.
The companies were asked to show why action should not be taken against them.
Those affected by the blacklist will be prevented from doing business with India's defence ministry for 10 years.
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