Defence Minister A K Antony today assured that the country's defence preparedness has always been strong. Mr Antony said the defence system is safe and the Government is taking necessary steps to ensure national security.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha over Army Chief General V K Singh letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the state of affairs in the defence force, Mr Antony said publication of contents of secret correspondence within the government does not serve any purpose. He said, such issues cannot be a matter of public debate.

The minister asserted that as far as the question of national security is concerned, all the parliamentarians share the same view. Expressing his gratitude for cooperation from the opposition on the issue, he stressed on the need for transparency in the defence procurement.