India has witnessed a dramatic transformation in its defence capabilities over the past decade, all thanks to the visionary policies and initiatives undertaken by the Modi government. One striking achievement has been the significant reduction in the country’s dependency on foreign arms imports, with a staggering 60% of India’s total arms and ammunition now being produced domestically.
Reduction in Foreign Arms Imports: Under the leadership of the Modi government, India has taken notable steps towards reducing its reliance on imported defence equipment. The involvement of major Indian conglomerates such as the Adani Group, Tata Group, and Larsen & Toubro has been instrumental in bolstering India’s manufacturing industry. These corporations have shifted their focus towards the production of advanced military equipment, including radar systems and artillery.
The Rise of Indigenous Defence Ecosystem: NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat claims that India’s defence ecosystem has become predominantly indigenous, marking a significant achievement for the country. The proportion of defence imports has decreased, providing evidence of India’s growing self-reliance. Reports from the Swedish think tank SIPRI reinforce this notion, highlighting that while India remains the world’s largest arms importer, the ratio of imports to total defence procurement is gradually diminishing.
Indian Army’s Strides Towards Self-Sufficiency: The Indian Army has made remarkable progress in attaining self-sufficiency, particularly in the domain of ammunition production. The army aims to domestically source almost all types of ammunition by the year 2025-26. This initiative underlines India’s commitment to indigenisation and bolsters its strategic capabilities.
Investments in Research and Development: The Modi government’s defence policies have paved the way for substantial investments in research and development, giving a significant boost to indigenous innovation. This emphasis on self-reliance and strategic autonomy is important for India’s security and in tackling the evolving global threat landscape.
India as a Global Defence Force with Indigenous Innovation: This period of growth marks a pivotal shift for India, positioning it as a formidable force in global defence. With a strong emphasis on self-reliance and indigenous innovation, India is cutting its dependency on arms imports. The commitment to building a robust indigenous defence industry puts India in an enviable position and enhances its standing on the global stage. The Modi government’s visionary policies in the defence sector have propelled India towards achieving self-reliance and indigenous innovation. The reduction in foreign arms imports and the involvement of major Indian corporations underline the nation’s determination to build a strong and self-sufficient defence ecosystem. With its strides in indigenisation, India is cementing its position as a global force in defence capabilities and making a significant contribution to its national security.
