RAJYA SABHA

The government has not decided on a joint venture with Israel for the production of missiles.  The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has earlier entered into a contract with M/s. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel to jointly develop a Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) system for the Indian and Israeli Navy in January 2006.

The Government of India pursues bilateral cooperation with Israel in many fields, keeping in mind our national interests.  Cooperation in the field of defence is one of the many dimensions of bilateral cooperation.  This is based on our sole national interest and does not come in the way of the warm and mutually beneficial cooperation that we share with friendly Muslim countries.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri D Raja and Shri Syed Azeez Pasha in Rajya Sabha today.

INCREASE IN MURDER AND SUICIDE CASES IN ARMY

The number of suicide cases in the Army is not significantly higher if compared with the national average and also with the Armies of some other countries.  There have also been some incidents of fratricide in the Army.  All such incidents of suicide and fratricide are viewed seriously and enquired into.  Appropriate remedial measures are also taken.

No enquiry has been conducted in 2007 in respect of promotion policy, officers’ behaviour and lack of facilities.  However, a study has been carried out by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) to identify factors, which lead to these incidents and suggest remedial measures.  The study report has been submitted in February 2007.  A series of measures have been taken to improve service conditions and to attend to the issue of stress among the service personnel.  Improvement in service conditions and amenities for the service personnel is an ongoing process.

This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Shreegopal Vyas and Shri Balavant alias Bal Apte in Rajya Sabha today.

DM / RAJ