The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added ‘money laundering’ in its newly-mooted National Security Clause for foreign companies. This is part of the MHA’s efforts to bring more clarity and uniformity in dealing with cases where its security clearance is required.
The new clause would be part of the National Security Clearance Policy to fast-track projects, keeping in mind the Centre’s Make in India programme.
Foreign companies entering into critical sectors such as telecom, private security agency and defence through the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) route would now have to sign the National Security Clause as part of their agreement, clearly stating that any adverse information related to anti-India activities – money laundering, espionage, links with foreign intelligence agencies or terror outfits – at a later stage would lead to the termination of contract.
The new move is significant, in the backdrop of the ongoing tussle between the MHA and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting over security clearance to 33 channels owned by Kalanithi Maran-promoted Sun TV Network.
“The National Security Clause will be an important component of the National Security Clearance Policy to extend fast-track security clearance to proposals in the critical sectors, while ensuring that national interests remain intact,” an Ministry of Home Affairs official said.
