My India
Welcome to ONLiNE UPSC

India’s Defence Sector: A Leap Towards Self-Reliance and Global Leadership

Understanding the Key Drivers of Indigenous Military Production

India’s Defence Sector: A Leap Towards Self-Reliance and Global Leadership

  • 01 Sep, 2024
  • 421

India’s Self-Reliance in Defence Sector

India has made remarkable strides towards achieving self-reliance in its defence sector. Through dedicated efforts in indigenisation and substantial investments in domestic manufacturing, the nation is reducing its dependence on imported military equipment. This transformation is positioning India as a significant player on the global defence production stage.

Key Initiatives Driving Transformation

  • Positive Indigenisation Lists: The introduction of positive indigenisation lists has been pivotal, with over 5,600 items now being produced domestically. This includes essential components for aircraft, tanks, and naval systems.
  • Increased Defence Funding: The government has significantly increased funding for the Ministry of Defence, facilitating further investments in indigenous research and development.
  • Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP 2020): Launched to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and stimulate exports, this policy is a cornerstone of India's self-reliance strategy.

Performance in Defence Exports

India is on track to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by the fiscal year 2028-29. In 2023-24, the country exported ₹21,083 crore worth of military hardware, representing a substantial 32.5% increase from the previous year.

The Role of Women in Defence

Women are increasingly assuming leadership roles across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and space sectors. This trend signifies India’s commitment to inclusivity and the expansion of opportunities for women within the defence landscape.

Economic Contributions of the Defence Sector

The growth of domestic production and exports is not only generating employment but also attracting global investments. This positions India as a preferred destination for defence manufacturing, contributing significantly to economic growth.

Government Initiatives to Boost Domestic Manufacturing

  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative: This initiative promotes local defence production through enhanced collaboration between the private sector and defence forces.
  • Defence Industrial Corridors: Investments in Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are designed to create robust manufacturing ecosystems.
  • Make in India Policy: This policy encourages domestic companies to undertake large-scale defence projects, thereby reducing reliance on imports.

Significance of the Positive Indigenisation List

The positive indigenisation list is crucial as it outlines items such as high-altitude clothing, communication equipment, and missile systems that are now produced locally, driving growth in the domestic defence industry.

Alignment of Defence Budget with Goals

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Union Budget has allocated ₹6,21,940.85 crore to the Ministry of Defence, marking a 4.79% increase. This allocation is vital for supporting the ongoing development of indigenous defence capabilities.

Foreign Investment Perspectives

India’s increasing defence manufacturing capacity, coupled with favourable policies such as 74% FDI under the automatic route in defence production, is drawing significant interest from global investors.

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Kutos : AI Assistant!
India’s Defence Sector: A Leap Towards Self-Reliance and Global Leadership
Ask your questions below - no hesitation, I am here to support your learning.
View All
Subscription successful!