Madhya Pradesh May Scrap Metro Deal with Turkish Firm Over Anti-India Allegations
The Madhya Pradesh government is considering terminating its contract with Turkish firm Asis Guard, currently engaged in the development of digital systems for the Bhopal and Indore Metro projects, amid serious allegations linking the company to anti-India activities.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced claiming that drones manufactured by Asis Guard were allegedly used by Pakistan in operations against India, including during the recent Operation Sindoor. The state government has now launched a formal investigation to determine whether the company has any direct or indirect ties to anti-national elements.
State minister Kailash Vijayvargiya confirmed the development and emphasized that national interest would take precedence over commercial agreements. “Nation first. There is no place for anti-India mentality. For us, national duty is paramount,” Vijayvargiya posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Any kind of sympathy or cooperation with anyone who stands against India’s sovereignty cannot be tolerated.”
He added, “Turkish company Asis Guard, which is engaged in manufacturing drones, has been accused of supplying drones used in anti-India activities. The serious fact is that this same company is currently contracted for the work of digital systems in Bhopal and Indore Metro projects.”
The minister further stated that an impartial and detailed inquiry has been initiated and that the government will not hesitate to terminate the contract if any compromising links are found. “If even a shred of evidence establishes any connection between the company and anti-India elements, the contract will be immediately scrapped,” he said.
This move reflects the increasing scrutiny of foreign firms operating in sensitive sectors in India. It also comes shortly after the central government revoked the security clearance of another Turkish firm, Celebi Aviation, on national security grounds. Celebi has been operating in India for over 15 years and provides ground handling services at nine major airports across the country.
The decision to revoke Celebi’s clearance followed Ankara’s strong condemnation of India’s military strikes in Pakistan and its vocal support of Islamabad’s stance on Kashmir. Celebi Aviation India, however, has denied any wrongdoing, stating it is fully compliant with Indian laws and operates with transparency. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, where it employs over 10,000 people.
Both cases underline a broader shift in India’s approach to foreign collaborations, particularly those involving companies based in countries with strained diplomatic ties. For Madhya Pradesh, the scrutiny of Asis Guard could result in a major reshuffle in its ambitious metro infrastructure projects—if the allegations are substantiated.
IT.
