CCS okays projected Indo-German defence deals

New Delhi, Sep 2 (UNI) A high-powered Cabinet Committee today accorded prior approval to a slew of defence-related agreements between India and Germany -- expected to be initialled during Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee's visit to the European state next week.

The Defence Minister leaves tonight for France and Germany -- visiting the latter on September 6 and 7.

Besides, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) -- at the meeting here presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh -- also decided to increase outlay for design and production of the prestigeous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by the Hindustan Aeronauticals Limited (HAL).

The project outlay was hiked to Rs 340 crore by the CCS, said Finance Minister P Chidambaram immediately after the meeeting -- which was also attended by the Defence Minister, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, National Security Advisor MK Narayan and Home Secretary VK Duggal.

Mr Chidamabaram said the CCS also accorded approval to a plan aimed at restoring the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to manpower- levels obtaining in 2002.

As a result, BRO will shortly recruit 5,071 personnel, the Minister informed mediapersons.

UNI DG RL VV2039