Click to play videoNew Delhi: It seems India has signed away the right to use its second-biggest warship in the event of war.
The Comptroller and Auditor General has slammed the UPA Government for accepting what it terms as "restrictive clauses" in the purchase of the American warship, USS Trenton — now renamed INS Jalashwa.
These clauses forbid the use of the warship for offensive purposes and even allow intrusive on-board inspections by the US.
The Left feels vindicated by the report, and says, "I told you so".
RSP MP, Abani Roy says, "I don't know why the Government purchased this warship. I don't understand who they are trying to satisfy or who is asking them to purchase such things."
The Left call for a Government explanation to Parliament is backed by bitter rivals — the BJP.
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "This raises very serious questions. How can such a major defence deal be shrouded by such mysterious circumstances?"
The transfer of the INS Jalashwa to India was not only meant to be a door-opener for big-time military cooperation with the US, but also to give Indian military expeditionary muscle.
The INS Jalashwa can hold as many as 58 armoured vehicles, four tanks and heavy artillery. At the rear end of the ship is a hinged gate which can be lowered into the sea.
There is a well which is filled with water with the help of ballast tanks near the rear gate so that amphibious assault vehicles can then float out into the sea through the hinged gate. These amphibious assault vehicles can carry as many as 2,000 troops to launch an attack on enemy shores.
However, it's clear that any hint of strings attached to military cooperation with the US will find little political support in India.
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