NEW DELHI — The Indian government’s auditing watchdog is slamming the defense ministry’s arms procurement process for its long, unexplained delays. “In high-value capital expenditure cases, the acquisition process lacks proper planning, effective price negotiation, proper monitoring etc.,” the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India says in its latest report, which was tabled in parliament last week.

Indian state-run shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Ltd. has entered into a joint venture with Pipavav Defense and Offshore Engineering Co. to build warships for the Indian navy and the export market. The equal joint venture, announced Sept. 12, will create an independent company to be named Mazagon Dock Pipavav Ltd. “This company will be executing the existing orders of Mazagon Dock worth 1 trillion rupees [$21.69 billion] and bid for future defense orders jointly,” says Nikhil Gandhi, chairman of Pipavav Defense.

THE SIMS: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking at advanced simulation technology for effective training and combat capabilities. “The present requirement of advanced simulators for providing effective training to Indian armed forces in a cost-effective manner is significantly high,” IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal K.K. Nohwa said on Sept. 12. “The use of simulators will significantly reduce both flying and fuel costs and most importantly, reduce the loss of life and equipment,” he says.