- India to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing
- Aims to create Rs 5 lakh crore defence and aerospace manufacturing market by 2047.
- Several steps have also been taken to improve the sector’s competitiveness.
Since independence, India’s reliance on imports to fight its numerous wars and skirmishes has been a heavy burden, draining foreign exchange and limiting strategic options. Self-sufficiency is not for the faint of heart and cannot be attained overnight. It will take at least a decade of dedicated effort. The government must support and protect all stakeholders, especially the private sector.
As the country approaches a century of independence, the right path has been charted, with a strong emphasis on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing. A negative import list is one of the most important aspects of the policy framework.
Aiming to create a Rs 5 lakh crore defence and aerospace manufacturing market by 2047 is one of the ambitious goals set. This represents a significant increase from the estimated Rs 1 lakh crore market in 2022.
Over 300 major systems are already on the negative import list and will only be obtained from domestic sources. This includes everything from light attack aircraft to tanks and assault rifles, as well as a variety of ammunition. It will be critical to safeguard and expand this list.
Several steps have also been taken to improve the sector’s competitiveness.
A large private sector manufacturing ecosystem will be critical for infusing technology and innovation into the armed forces. Startups and small businesses have already shown interest in fields such as artificial intelligence, with the first systems such as swarm drones and surveillance networks set to be introduced.
With an industry that is dependent on national forces for orders, India will never be self-sufficient. The ability to compete in the global market is critical to the survival and success of private sector players. If the target of $ 5 billion in exports by 2025 is met, it will be a sign that India is on the right track.