South Korean President raises MCMV delays during India visit

On 16 January, during a state visit, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye pushed for the signing of a major bilateral defence deal that has been hanging fire for almost three years after being virtually finalised – the project to equip the Indian Navy with new mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs). The programme plans for India to acquire two MCMVs and transfer of technology for Rs 2,700 crore from South Korean shipbuilder Kangnam Corporation, with Goa Shipyard to build another six vessels valued at over Rs 6,000 crore.

The specialised MCMVs are made of non-magnetic fibrereinforced plastics (FRP) to avoid generating the electro-magnetic signatures that typically activate naval mines. The vessels are used to clear harbours as well as offshore installations for shipping activity, and perform a vital role in protecting the Navy’s warships.

President Park Geun-Hye stated that she had raised the pending export of Korean minesweepers to India with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as part of discussions on the emerging strategic partnership between India and the Republic of Korea.

The MCMV acquisition has been stuck in the Indian MoD due to typical bureaucratic delays and complaints of irregularities by rival bidders. This is despite the Navy having unequivocally stated that new minesweepers are an “urgent” requirement and approval for acquisition of eight MCMVs having been granted over eight years ago, in July 2005. The contract price negotiations with Kangnam were reportedly concluded as far back as October 2011, making this the third year that the MoD has delayed the contract without explanation.