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The Ministry of Defence has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the issue of data leakage of Scorpene submarines with the French government.
“The MEA has been asked to discuss the matter with the French government and try to get the details through diplomatic channels. The French government should initiate an investigation into the matter,” a senior Defence Ministry official told BusinessLine .
Though the Defence Ministry initially tried to downplay the issue saying the data leak is “not a big worry”, the MEA confirmed that it has been approached and that the matter has been taken up with the French authorities. “Yes, I can confirm that the matter has been taken up with the MEA. We have taken it up with the French government. They are investigating the matter. We await the results,” said Vikas Swarup, Spokesperson, MEA.
Parrikar said the leakage of sensitive data related to the Scorpene submarines being built in India is “not a big worry” although he added that the there are concerns because the government is gearing up for a worst case scenario.
“Basically, what is on the website (of The Australian ) is not of big concern. We are assuming, on our own, that this has leaked and we are taking all precautions … It is not intentionally leaked,” Parrikar said on the sidelines of an event here.
He also said that the Navy has apprised him of the documents that got leaked and has assured him that nothing critical has been exposed.
“What I am given to understand that there are a few pockets of concern assuming that what is claimed to have been leaked has leaked actually. We are going by assumption of the worst case scenario. I think there is not big worry because we will be able to put things in the right perspective,” Parrikar added.
The leaked documents were reported and published by an Australian daily – The Australian – regarding the technical aspects and operational capabilities of the submarines that are being built at the Mazagon Dock Ltd under transfer of technology with French major DCNS for $3.5 billion.
Parrikar said these submarines have not yet completed the sea trials. As a result, it is not possible that details related to its operation have been revealed. The Indian Navy has already taken up the matter with French Directorate General of Armament.
The Defence Ministry has also sought a report from DCNS.
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