The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The inaugural two-day brainstorming session titled ‘Impetus to Indigenisation’ concluded on March 05, 2024, in New Delhi, marking a significant stride towards advancing the indigenization of India’s defense manufacturing. Organized by the Department of Military Affairs and the HQ Integrated Defence Staff, in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, the event witnessed comprehensive discussions aimed at policy reform to accelerate the indigenization process and bolster private sector involvement in defense manufacturing.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, highlighted the transformative phase of defense reforms and stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders for a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach. This unified strategy aims to innovate and achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with India’s ‘Vision 2047’.
Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, in his keynote address, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting indigenization and encouraging the private sector’s participation in the defense sector.
The session, led by Gen Anil Chauhan, saw contributions from various sectors including the Ministry of Defence, Defense Research and Development Organisation, Department of Defence Production, academia, industry partners, and field units of the tri-services. Participants engaged in pivotal discussions on overcoming policy challenges, strategies to invigorate indigenization, focusing on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for aviation, maritime, and land assets.
Discussions aimed at identifying crucial areas for developing indigenous technologies and products, reducing import dependence, enhancing product availability, and ensuring operational readiness of the Armed Forces. Key topics included private sector involvement in defense R&D, effectiveness of Make, iDEX, Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), and Technology Development Fund (TDF) schemes, and incentives for private sector defense manufacturing.
The brainstorming session addressed the development and management of Defense Industry Corridors, capacity mapping of defense manufacturers, incentivizing MSMEs, PPP/GOCO models, and intellectual property rights. The event concluded with the Services and Indian Coast Guard outlining their future MRO requirements and encouraging private industry participation to meet these needs, setting a forward path for India’s defense sector.