
Reports from TOI indicate that the government has lifted its ban on business dealings with Leonardo SpA, the Italian defence firm that was banned in connection with the Rs 3600 crore VVIP chopper scam.
The decision of the defence ministry to resume business with Leonardo SpA is subject to certain conditions imposed on the company. In compliance with the conditions, the defence major cannot file any commercial lawsuits nor can it file civil suits against the Indian government. Furthermore, any new business deals will not prejudicially affect the ongoing investigation by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate into the alleged VVIP helicopter scam.
As per the sources, the ban on Leonardo SpA and its subsidiary had limited India’s options in the international arms market because the conglomerate produces a wide array of weapon systems ranging from torpedoes and 127 mm naval guns to radars and short-range surface-to-air missiles.