Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre has ruled out visit by a technical team to Hindustan Shipyard Limited to discuss the submarine deal.

Replying to a question by Rajya Sabha member V. Vijaysai Reddy (YSRCP) on Monday, the Minister said the decision to select HSL for refit of EKM class submarine was taken in 2017. He said there was no plan to send a technical team to the yard last month.

He said refit of Russia-made submarine would be completed in 27 months. It would give additional service of five to six years for the submarine after refit.

To another question, the Minister said the Eastern Naval Command had issued a notification for recruitment of 144 tradesmen (Skilled) for those who had undergone apprenticeship.