Defence Minister A K Antony today said, the government has nothing to hide in the VVIP chopper deal and is prepared to discuss it in Parliament.

Addressing a news conference at a BrahMos Aerospace function in New Delhi, Mr Antony asserted that the government’s priority is to find the truth into the allegations of wrongdoing in the deal and punish the guilty through due process of law. Mr Antony dismissed reports of differences between the Defence and External Affairs Ministries on the process to scrap the 3,600-crore-rupee deal.

The Defence Minister said, he is sad and upset over the allegations of kickbacks despite taking all precautions at every stage of the deal.

He said efforts are on to get reports from the Italian courts conducting the inquiry into the case. Mr Antony said, his Ministry is awaiting the report of the CBI team, which is currently in Italy to investigate the case.

The Defence Minister cautioned the media against casting doubts on all defence deals as the security situation in the country’s neighbourhood is very volatile.

To a question on the handing over of the Gwadar port by Pakistan to China, Mr Antony said it is a matter of concern to India.

On the possibility of exporting BrahMos cruise missile to Vietnam, the Defence Minister said the weapon system is in heavy demand among the armed forces in the country itself and this proposition can be explored after meeting domestic requirements.