India to lift ban on dealings with Italian defence firm Leonardo

The Indian government has decided to lift the ban on dealings with Italian firm Leonardo with certain conditions. The ban was imposed on the company in connection with the Rs 3600 crore VVIP chopper scam.

As per reports, the CBI and Ed will continue their investigation against the company and the company will also not be allowed to make any financial claims from the Indian government based on any agreements signed earlier. The company will be required to start afresh after the ban is lifted.

Despite the lifting of the ban, the investigations into the case against the company by the CBI and ED would continue.

The company would also not be allowed to make any financial claim from the government of India on the basis of deals or agreements signed earlier.

The request for lifting of the ban came from the Italian firm and government recently.

Multiple agencies and departments, including the law ministry, were consulted by the defence ministry to reach this decision.

India had cancelled multiple deals, including the contract for 12 helicopters for VVIPS and heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian navy.