No tilt towards any country in Defence ties: Antony

New Delhi, July 19: Stressing that procurement of hi-tech arms was ''purely on the basis of merit, the Government today categorically ruled out any tilt towards a country in defence ties and deals.

''We have no tilt or bias towards any country in matters of defence relations,'' said Defence Minister AK Antony against the backdrop of growing opposition from the Left to India's close military ties with Israel and the United States.

''We are buying arms to fulfil the strategic needs of our Armed Forces through global tenders,'' the Defeence Minister told mediapersons on the sidelines of a function here.

Such deals, he said, were ''open to anybody''.

''The arms procurements are being done strictly according to guidelines laid down by the new Defence Procurement Policy 2006...

We are concluding deals on lowest quotations and where the quality is good,'' Minister Antony pointed out when asked if there was a tilt towards Israel in the purchase of arms and weapon systems.

''We are not favouring anybody... We have had arms deals with France, Russia, Israel -- and lately even with the US,'' he said -- emphasising that the deals were concluded on the basis of ''merit and transparency''.

''All the major world players are eager to enter the Indian market not only in defence but in other fields also as they perceive the country as a huge outlet,'' he observed.

Referring to the purchase of military equipment from Israel, the Minister said close defence ties had developed between the two countries since the commencement of diplomatic relations between them in 1992 and all Governments -- be they the United Front, NDA or UPA -- had continued with these ties.

UNI