Eighteen Indian Soldiers killed on UN Peacekeeping Missions since 2010; Defence Minister: No decision by government of India to debar Agusta Westland from procurement process
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  • Reports noted that in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on April 29, Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has provided the details of Indian soldiers deployed in UN Mission and the number of casualties which have taken place there during the last few years. A total of 7,121 Indian soldiers have been deployed in the UN missions and 18 troops have been killed in various operations there since 2010. On steps taken to ensure security of soldiers in these missions, Defence Minister noted, "Soldiers deployed on peacekeeping missions are equipped with personal protection kit. Infantry Combat Vehicles are also deployed in the Mission as per the operational necessity." On the assistance provided to the next of kin of the soldiers killed, the minister informed, USD 70,000 is paid to the next of kin of the deceased from UN HQ through Permanent Mission of India, New York. In addition, the Government of India and the state governments also pay the next of kin of the deceased all benefits and entitlements. 1
    According to reports, the Anglo-Italian defence firm AgustaWestland has participated in bids to procure choppers for Indian Navy and Coast Guard, since no decision has been taken by the government to debar it from the procurement process. The Defence Minister A K Antony informed the Lok Sabha on April 29. He said that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of the Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH)), in which the Agusta Westland has also participated, was issued before commencement of CBI inquiry in the VVIP helicopter case. "Since no decision to debar the said company (AgustaWestland) from participation in the procurement process has so far been taken, the bids are under process," the Defence Minister said. 2

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