The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    Anti-India links? Kailash Vijayvargiya seeks probe into Turkey co Asis Guard engaged in Bhopal, Indore metro work

    Synopsis

    Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has called for an investigation into Turkish firm Asis Guard, which is involved in digital system work for the Bhopal and Indore metro projects. This action follows accusations that the company's drones were recently used in anti-India activities.

    MP: BJP slams Congress over Union Carbide waste disposalIANS
    Madhya Pradesh Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya
    Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Monday demanded a thorough investigation into Turkish defense firm Asis Guard, which is currently involved in digital system installations for the Bhopal and Indore metro rail projects. The minister cited allegations that drones manufactured by the company were recently used in activities against India's national interests.

    Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Vijayvargiya stated, “Nation above all… no place for anti-India mentality. For us, the duty towards the nation is paramount. Anyone who stands against India's sovereignty, no matter who they are, will receive no sympathy or cooperation of any kind.”

    He emphasised the need to examine whether Asis Guard has any direct or indirect links to elements hostile to India. "Officials have been directed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation," he said, adding that if any evidence is found connecting the firm to anti-India activities, "the company’s contract will be terminated."

    The minister's remarks come amid growing scrutiny of foreign defense firms operating in India, especially those with dual-use technologies like drones. Asis Guard, based in Turkey, is reportedly engaged in defense-grade drone manufacturing and is accused—though not officially by Indian agencies—of supplying drones that may have been used in operations against Indian interests.

    Vijayvargiya made it clear that national security concerns would take precedence over ongoing infrastructure contracts. “We will not compromise on the nation's honor, security, and self-respect,” he said.

    There has been no official response from Asis Guard or the Turkish government over the matter. The metro projects in Bhopal and Indore are part of a major urban infrastructure upgrade initiative in Madhya Pradesh, and any disruption could impact project timelines.



    (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

    (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

    Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.

    ...more
    The Economic Times

    Stories you might be interested in

    OSZAR »