The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cancelled its plan to procure robotic lifebuoys from a Turkey-based firm, Maren Robotics. This decision comes in the wake of growing diplomatic tensions between India and Turkey, primarily stemming from Ankara's support for Pakistan. The cancellation highlights the intersection of geopolitics and local governance, with domestic political pressures influencing procurement decisions.
The BMC had initially intended to deploy these remotely-operated rescue machines across six prominent Mumbai beaches: Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai. These lifebuoys were designed to aid lifeguards in saving individuals from drowning incidents. Each unit was equipped with advanced features, including dual water jets for propulsion, a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery, and the capacity to carry up to 200 kg. The machines could travel up to 800 meters into the sea at speeds of up to 18 km/h and operate for approximately one hour on a full charge. The tender for acquiring six of these rescue boats was initially floated in September of last year, with each boat costing ₹9.62 lakh, making the total tender worth ₹64 lakh inclusive of taxes.
However, the political climate shifted significantly after Turkey extended diplomatic and military support to Pakistan, particularly during the recent conflict between the two nations and in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. This prompted strong criticism from political parties within India, including members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Shiv Sena. These leaders questioned the BMC's decision to procure equipment from a foreign supplier instead of promoting indigenous alternatives, fueling calls for a boycott of Turkish products.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed the cancellation of the procurement plan. A senior BMC official stated that the decision to scrap the tender was made after a "relook" at the situation, even though the vendor had been shortlisted between January and February. The official clarified that a Letter of Approval (LoA) had not been issued, granting the BMC the legal right to retract the tender.
The BMC is now considering refloating the tender with an emphasis on identifying India-based firms capable of manufacturing similar rescue boats. This move aligns with the "Make in India" campaign, which promotes domestic manufacturing and self-reliance. Furthermore, officials believe that sourcing locally could also prove more cost-effective.
This decision by the BMC reflects a broader trend of prioritizing domestic interests and security concerns in procurement processes, especially when geopolitical factors come into play. It also highlights the growing importance of promoting indigenous industries and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers in strategic sectors.
