On 31st May 2021, the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh approved the ‘Second Positive Indigenisation List’ comprising 108 items.2nd Positive Indigenisation List is proposed by Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence (MoD).
i.This is taken as a part of “Aatmanirbhar-Bharat” to improve self-reliance in defence procurement, enhance India’s defence exports.
ii.The defence items will be allowed for local manufacturing in a phased manner from December 2021 to December 2025.
Key items included to the list – Helicopters, Next Generation Corvettes, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, Tank Engines, Medium Power Radar for Mountains, MRSAM Weapon Systems.Click here to read the 2nd Positive Indigenisation List.
Note – In August 2020, MoD released the ‘First Positive Indigenisation’ List comprising 101 military items
iii.This will improve Public-Private companies in the defence sector and pave the way for Defence Start-ups and MSMEs in India.
Note – India has set a Defence Exports Target of Rs. 35,000 Crores by 2025.
Indian Defence Exports:
i.India is the 2nd largest Arms importer during the period 2016-20, only behind Saudi Arabia. While India is ranked 23rd in Defence Exports.
ii.India’s defence exports have doubled to nearly Rs. 11,000 crores in 2018-19 from around Rs. 4,700 crores in 2017-18.
Some of India’s Defence Exports- Cheetal helicopters to Afghanistan, Dhruv Helicopters and bulletproof jackets to Nepal, Sukhoi 30 avionics and MIG spare parts to Malaysia, offshore patrol vessels to Mauritius
Recent Related News:
In February 2021, The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved procurement of various weapons/equipment worth INR 13,700 Crore for Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force.
About Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP):
To improve the self-reliance in Defence procurement, Indian government launched the IGMDP in 1983 with a target to indigenous development of 5 Missile systems
5 Missiles – Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, Nag & Agni
About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister – Rajnath Singh (Constituency – Lucknow, UP)
Minister of State (I/C) – Shripad Yesso Naik (Constituency – North Goa, Goa)
