Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a fresh list of 780 components and subsystems which will only be procured from domestic industry after a ban on their import kicks in under a staggered time-line of around six years.
It is the third such “positive indigenisation” list comprising line replacement units, sub-systems and components used for various military platforms, equipment and weapons, and the aim is to minimise imports by the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs).
The defence ministry has set specific timelines for import ban of the items, spanning a period from December 2023 to December 2028.
“Singh has approved the third positive indigenisation list of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Components with a timeline beyond which they will only be procured from the domestic industry,” it said in a statement on Sunday.
This list is in continuation to the two similar positive lists that were brought out in December 2021 and March 2022.
“Indigenisation of these items will be taken up through different routes under ‘Make’ category,” the ministry said.
The ‘Make’ category aims to achieve self-reliance by involving greater participation of the indian industry in defence manufacturing.
“Projects involving design and development of equipment, systems, major platforms or upgrades thereof by the industry can be taken up under this category,” the ministry said.
It said the indigenous development of these items will bolster the economy and reduce the import dependence of DPSUs.
“In addition, it will help to harness the design capabilities of domestic defence industry and position India as a design leader in these technologies,” the ministry said.
It said the DPSUs will soon float Expression of Interest (EoIs) and Request for Proposal (RFPs).
In the last few years, the government has taken a series of measures to promote domestic defence production.
India, facing tough challenges from neighbours on its northern and western frontiers, is one of the largest importers of arms globally.
According to estimates, the Indian armed forces are projected to spend around USD 130 billion (one billion is equal to Rs 100 crore) in capital procurement over the next five years.
The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing.
The defence ministry has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing in the next five years which includes an export target of USD 5 billion worth of military hardware.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Business News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.