Era of 'procurement alone' is over: Antony

New Delhi, May 28 : Defence Minister AK Antony has made it clear that companies planning to sell major defence products to India must be prepared to part with technology.

Speaking to reporters shortly before his departure from Berlin, Antony said 'the era of procurement alone is over as far as India is concerned.'

He said we would like to have fruitful defence cooperation with countries which are prepared to transfer technology and are interested in co-designing, co-development and co-production of defence products.

Referring to Indo-German defence co-operation, Antony said he had impressed upon his German counterpart Dr Franz Josef Jung on Monday that India is a responsible country and that Germany should be flexible towards India as far as technology transfer issues are concerned. He was optimistic that outstanding issues in this regard would be settled soon in India's favour in the near future.

Antony who was here to attend the opening of the ILA-2008 Berlin Air Show said the event has given an excellent opportunity to India to showcase its 'emerging capabilities' in defence, aviation and aero-space sectors.

He also said many global giants are now showing interest in setting up their units in India and to forge collaborations with Indian companies. Indian aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd signed a delivery contract for the supply of the first three shi sets of Dornier 228 New Generation main structure components.

ANI