New Delhi: A number of important Defence projects, including the one for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas', suffered delay due to sanctions imposed by the US and other countries, after the 1998 nuclear tests, which still remains partially in force.

"Important projects and programmes of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) suffered delay due to the sanctions," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

He said projects or programmes, which got delayed were Tejas-Light Combat Aircraft development programme, Kaveri engine development programme, Electronic Warfare programme for Army and Navy and Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV- Abhay).

"The sanctions still remain partially in force," he said adding the steps taken by the Government in this regard were thrust for research, indigenous development of components, materials and sub-systems, as a national effort.

The setback was overcome through indigenous effort by pooling national talents, third source development initiative and design adaptation, he added.