In the present world of shrewd diplomacy and complicated international relations, secrecy in defence projects is considered to be a must. The recent leak of key details regarding French designed Scorpene submarine has not only been a case of great concern but has also posed a serious threat to India's abilities in naval combat. Interestingly, in 2005, french shipbuilder DCNS bagged the RS 23,562 crore contract for six submarines, boosting India's strength in the waters.

As far as the news released by Australian newspaper The Australian is concerned, the leak which is more than 22000 pages, vividly contains minute details with regard to the submarines, ranging from – diving depths, range, endurance, frequencies at which intelligence inputs are handled and other core aspects coherent to submarines. The leaked document named 'Restricted Scorpene India'  also categorically includes details on levels of noise the submarines make at various speeds, along with its detection; magnetic, electromagnetic and infra-red data as well as noise specifications of the propeller among others. Although Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has clarified 'there has been a hacking', the motive behind such has to be understood. Let's not forget the volatile state of neighbouring countries like Pakistan and opportunists like the Chinese forces who are waiting for the right moment for a proxy attack on Indian forces.

Let's not forget the fact that these Scorpene submarines were considered to be the next step in India's naval force replacing the Old Russian Kilo Class and German HDW vessels. The Scorpene submarines in India had a dry run at Mumbai's Mazagon Docks only in the month of May, this year. According to Australian investigative journalist Cameron Stewart who pioneered in this lead story, opined that this leak came from a DCNS employee in France way back in 2011 and in all probability the secret data has been compromised in South East Asia where the data ultimately ended up being handled to a private company. Whether the data has been compromised to any country or not, remains a serious question indeed.  Side by side, this can also be a case of corporate revenge, where it might be the case that some rival company has been consistently trying to defame the French company in the international defense circuit.

The repercussions of such an incident are huge. Not only in case of India, but other clients of DCNS are worried whether their confidentiality has been compromised or not. Certainly the company itself is reeling under tremendous pressure and they are investigating separately on this matter. If detailed investigation reveals, that there has been compromise from India's end, there would be serious scrutiny to find whether any insider has tipped off about data of such paramount importance.

As far as Indian domain is concerned, the next mode of operation is going to be very important. Nevertheless, even if, India opts for more foreign investments in define budget, as it has been promised in the new FDI rules, particular care has to be taken so that India's security is not compromised at any cost. There is no other better alternative than improving indigenous forces and grooming it up to international standard. 4,457 pages are on the Scorpene’s underwater sensors, 4,209 pages are on its above-water sensors, 4,301 pages are on its combat management system and 493 pages on its torpedo launch system are amongst the pages leaked. These details are indeed enough to create ripples and can lead to a serious compromise of India’s national security. Let's not forget that neighboring Pakistan has (is going to receive) eight submarines

from China. Thus India's maritime neighborhood remains in vulnerable condition more than ever before.