‘Obscene’ spending

Published on 18/02/2013 00:00

IN YOUR report of a possible sale of helicopters from Italy to India (International, 16 February), it is stated India is expected to spend £50 billion over the next ten years to upgrade its armed forces.

In view of the appalling degree of rural poverty in the country, this seems almost obscene. In the same edition, it is noted that Prime Minister David Cameron has hopes of reviving a contract to sell Eurofighter Typhoons to India. I can appreciate Mr Cameron’s concern for the British aircraft industry, but I do feel that the needs of India’s impoverished rural population should have priority. If all countries spent less on military hardware the world would be a safer place.

Hugh M Mackenzie

Bonnethill Road

Pitlochry, Perthshire