ProMASS News Bureau: Aug 25, 2016: The Government of India is seized of the reported leak of documents related to the ongoing Indian Scorpene submarine programme as reported in sections of the media. The documents that have been posted on the website by an Australian news agency have been examined and do not pose any security compromise as the vital parameters have been blacked out.
The Indian Navy has taken up the matter with Director General of Armament of the French Government expressing concern over this incident and has requested the French Government to investigate this incident with urgency and share their findings with the Indian side. An internal audit of procedures to rule out any security compromise is also being undertaken. The matter is being taken up with concerned foreign governments through diplomatic channels to verify the authenticity of the reports.
The Government of India, as a matter of abundant precaution, is also examining the impact if the information contained in the documents claimed to be available with the Australian sources is compromised. The detailed assessment of potential impact is being undertaken by a high level committee constituted by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy is taking all necessary steps to mitigate any probable security compromise.
Earlier, a case of suspected leak of documents related to Scorpene submarines has been reported by a foreign media house. The available information is being examined at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) and an analysis is being carried out by the concerned specialists.
It appears that the source of leak is from overseas and not in India. Defense Minister Manohar Parikkar orders probe into the leaks of critical documents related to the Scorpene Submarine. Reports suggest over 22000 papers related to the strategic asset have been leaked. Sensitive documents detailing the technical and stealth capabilities of India’s Scoprene submarines have been reportedly leaked. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has asked a report from the Navy chief on the matter.
“I have asked the Navy chief to study the entire issue about what has been leaked, what is there about us and to what extent. It came to my knowledge at about 12 AM. What I understand is there is a hacking. So we will find out all this,” Defence Minister said. He also said that he does not suspect the leak to be 100 per cent since a lot of final integration lies with India. He said a clear picture will emerge in a couple of days.
In a statement, the Navy said, “A case of suspected leak of documents related to Scorpene submarines has been reported by a foreign media house.The available information is being examined at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy) and an analysis is being carried out by the concerned specialists. “It appears that the source of leak is from overseas and not in India,”. Reacting on Submarine leak case, Rear Admiral(Retd) Raja Menon said that it is bad for the Indian Navy. he said that it should be investigated that how the leak happened.
