The Defence Minister AK Antony today said that modernization process in defence procurement and upgradation of infrastructure cannot be done at the cost of core values of transparency, probity and accountability. Addressing the Unified Commanders' Conference in New Delhi, Mr Antony urged all Commanders to collectively ensure that these principles are adopted and followed in letter and spirit. Mr Antony said the modernisation process is the top most priority of the Government and to achieve the same a mechanism has been put in place. The Defence Minister stated that the Government is constantly fine-tuning the Defence Procurement Procedure to cut down delays in procurement process.

Mr Antony asked the Services to put their best foot forward by having a well-defined approach to procurement, based on clear and objective General Staff Qualitative Requirements. He stressed the need to ensure that procedures are strictly adhered to and the Services ensure the timely meeting of technical parameters.
Describing cyber crimes as another dimension in the security architecture, Mr Antony said that Information and Communication Technology is being misused by anti-social and anti-national elements. He called upon the Services to be fully aware of the implications and put in place security systems and standard operating procedures to counter such threats.