Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Mumbai Cancels Rescue Robot Deal Due to Turkish Links
The Mumbai city government, called BMC, had planned to buy special robots from a Turkish company to help save people at the beach.
These robots are like small boats that can quickly go to people in the water.
But some politicians got upset.
They were worried because Turkey has supported Pakistan, and there have been problems between India and Pakistan.
They thought it was not right to buy things from a country that supports India's rivals.
So, the BMC decided not to buy the robots.
They will now try to find similar robots made in India.
BMC canceled a ₹64 lakh tender for robotic water rescue devices.
The vendor was sourcing products from Turkey, prompting political backlash.
The robots were intended for deployment on six Mumbai beaches.
Political leaders raised concerns about national security due to Turkey's stance.
BMC plans to reissue the tender, favoring domestically made devices.
- Who
- The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation).
- What
- Canceled a tender for robotic water rescue devices.
- When
- After it came to light that the vendor was sourcing products from Turkey.
- Where
- Mumbai
- Why
- Due to political backlash over Turkey’s alleged support for Pakistan.
Critics of Procurement
BMC
Product Origin
Critics of Procurement
Cited national security concerns about sourcing the product from a Turkish firm.
BMC
To reissue the tender and prioritize domestically manufactured devices to avoid the geopolitical risks.
Cost
Critics of Procurement
Criticized the value of ₹64 lakh for this project.
BMC
N/A
- Organization
- BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation)
- Tender Amount
- ₹64 lakh
- Proposed Purchase
- Six remote-controlled rescue robots
- Intended User
- Mumbai Fire Brigade
- Deployment Locations
- Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai beaches
- Product Origin
- Turkey-based firms
- Reason for Cancellation
- National security concerns and alleged Turkish support for Pakistan
