New Delhi: In a significant move towards promoting self-reliance in India’s defence sector, the Ministry of Defence has approved a comprehensive list that progressively bans the import of 928 sub-systems, components, spares, and ‘Line Replacement Units’ (LRUs) of military equipment and platforms. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and aims to bolster indigenous production capabilities.
The ban on these 928 items is part of the Defence Ministry’s larger strategy to reduce dependency on foreign imports and encourage domestic manufacturing. By promoting local production, the government aims to enhance India’s defence capabilities while simultaneously boosting the country’s economy.
The new list encompasses a wide range of items that were previously procured from overseas sources. These include sub-systems, components, spares, and LRUs related to various military equipment and platforms, such as aircraft, tanks, warships, missiles, and electronic systems. By focusing on these specific areas, the Defence Ministry aims to build a robust ecosystem for indigenous defence manufacturing.
With the ban on these imports, the responsibility of manufacturing these items will be transferred to defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), which will play a crucial role in meeting the country’s defence requirements. This decision is expected to provide a significant impetus to the domestic defence industry, creating new opportunities for both large-scale manufacturers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.
By encouraging indigenous production, the government seeks to reduce costs associated with foreign imports, ensure timely availability of critical equipment, and foster technological advancements within the country. This move is not only expected to strengthen India’s national security but also contribute to the development of a self-reliant defence industry capable of catering to both domestic and international demands.
The Defence Ministry’s ban on the import of these 928 items reflects a progressive step towards achieving strategic autonomy and reducing vulnerabilities in India’s defence procurement. It is in line with the government’s vision of transforming India into a global manufacturing hub and positioning the country as a key player in the global defence market.
The ‘Make in India’ initiative, launched by the government in 2014, has been instrumental in promoting indigenous manufacturing across various sectors. With the recent ban on imports in the defence sector, the government aims to leverage the expertise and capabilities of domestic industries to meet the country’s defence needs, while also fostering innovation and job creation.
This decision by the Defence Ministry marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production. As the country progresses towards manufacturing its own military equipment and platforms, it is expected to enhance its strategic capabilities, boost economic growth, and emerge as a formidable force on the global stage.