Days after the Union government said Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones in attempted attacks on sites in India earlier this month, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has called for an investigation into Turkey-based defence company Asisguard’s links to metro projects in the state.
Pointing out that Asisguard drones have been accused of being used in “anti-India activities”, Vijayvargiya said, “A serious concern is that the same company, ‘Asis’, is currently contracted for digital systems work in the and Indore metro projects.”
Songard drones are designed and manufactured by Asisguard. They were first launched in April 2019 and delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces in February 2020. They are Turkey’s first indigenous armed drones.
Vijayvargiya said officials have been directed to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation of the facts”.
“If it is found that the company is directly or indirectly associated with anti-India elements or that its products have been used against India’s security, then the contract with the company will be terminated. We will not compromise on the nation’s honour, security, or self-respect,” he said.
Asserting that “for us, national duty is paramount”, the Madhya Pradesh minister said, “Anyone who stands against India’s sovereignty, regardless of who they are, will not be met with any sympathy or support. That is unacceptable.”
This stance aligns with India’s recent actions concerning Turkish firms. The government revoked the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India, another Turkey-based company, citing national security concerns following Turkey’s support for Pakistan during the hostilities in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
