• India’s defence ecosystem has undergone transformations in several key areas in recent years. Key institutional and policy changes have spurred defence indigenisation, domestic capital procurement and defence exports.

Steps towards Defence Indigenisation:

• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Mandates 50% indigenous content in procurement contracts, encouraging domestic production. It also Introduced “Buy (Global-Manufacture in India)” to incentivize foreign OEMs to establish manufacturing facilities in India.
• Positive Indigenisation Lists: Released by the Ministry of Defence, specifying items to be procured only from domestic sources. 
• Srijan Indigenisation Portal: Facilitates the indigenisation process by listing imported items and promoting their domestic production.
• Establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors: In Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, attracting significant investments. Initiatives like the SAAB project demonstrate foreign investment into these corridors.
• Naval Development: Notable progress in building naval platforms such as the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and Project 17A for development of Frigates. These were worked on  by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, showcasing advancements in naval capabilities.
• Holistic Review of DRDO: A committee is constituted to review the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The goal is to make DRDO, build “fit to purpose” domestic capabilities in defence R&D and innovation, commensurate with the challenges of the 21st century.
• Collaboration  with Private sector: Private sector contribution increases, with joint ventures playing a significant role.
• Initiatives to Foster Innovation: iDEX, iDEX Prime framework, Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, and Dare to Dream Innovation contest aim to promote innovation in defence.
• Focus on Defence Exports: India aims to increase defence exports, targeting Rs 35,000 crore by 2025. Policies such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make In India are also promoting indigenous defence production to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions.

The goal of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047 requires the defence sector to be more resilient and self-reliant. The transformation underway in the defence industrial complex has set the stage for multiple stakeholders to rally and promote domestic technological innovation while cementing strategic partnerships around the world. The day is not far when India will become an integral part of the global defence value chains.