India has historically been one of the largest importers of defence equipment, relying on countries like Russia, the U.S., France, and Israel. Recognizing this dependence as a security risk, India has taken steps to develop indigenous capabilities.

• Launched in 2014, Make in India promotes domestic manufacturing.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India Initiative) (2020) focused on boosting local defence production.

• Targets $25 billion in defence production and $5 billion in exports by 2025.
• Encourages private sector participation and foreign investment.

• The government has banned the import of several defence items, ensuring they are produced domestically.
• Over 500 items have been listed under these restrictions.

• Two major corridors: Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to promote indigenous defence production.
• Offers incentives and infrastructure for defence manufacturers.

• Plays a central role in developing indigenous defence technologies.
• Key projects include missiles (Agni, BrahMos), aircraft (Tejas), tanks (Arjun), and electronic warfare systems.

• Strategic Partnership Model (SPM) allows private companies to build major defence platforms.
• Collaborations with foreign firms to boost domestic production.

• Aircraft: HAL Tejas, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
• Missiles: BrahMos, Agni, Astra, Pralay.
• Tanks & Armored Vehicles: Arjun MBT, K9 Vajra.
• Naval Vessels: INS Vikrant (Aircraft Carrier), Project 75 submarines.
• Drones & UAVs: Rustom, TAPAS-BH.

• Dependence on foreign technology and components.
• Delays in indigenous projects and cost overruns.
• Need for greater private sector involvement.
• Bureaucratic hurdles and slow procurement processes.

With continued investment in R&D, increased private sector participation, and government support, India is making steady progress toward self-reliance in defence. The goal is not just to reduce imports but also to become a global exporter of defence equipment.

Way Ahead for Self-Reliance in the Indian Defence Industry

India has made significant strides in defence indigenization, but achieving complete self-reliance requires sustained efforts. The following steps can accelerate this journey:

1. Strengthening Indigenous Research & Development (R&D)

 Increased DRDO Funding: Boost R&D investments for next-gen technologies like AI, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.
Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage private firms and startups to co-develop advanced systems.
Technology Transfer & Innovation Hubs: Create defense innovation clusters with academia-industry partnerships.

2. Boosting Domestic Production & Manufacturing

Faster Project Execution: Streamline bureaucracy to reduce delays in indigenous programs.
Increase MSME Participation: Provide financial and technological support to small and medium enterprises in defence production.
Localization of Critical Components: Reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for raw materials, semiconductors, and propulsion systems.

3. Enhancing Private Sector Participation

Ease of Doing Business: Simplify licensing and procurement policies to attract private firms.
Strategic Partnerships: Encourage collaborations between Indian and global defence manufacturers.
Defence Start-ups & Innovation: Scale up initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) to nurture new technologies.

4. Expanding Defence Exports

Strengthen Defence Diplomacy: Use defence exports to build strategic alliances.
Competitive Pricing & Marketing: Position Indian defence products as cost-effective alternatives to Western systems.
Export-Friendly Policies: Provide incentives and diplomatic support for Indian defence firms entering global markets.

5. Developing Future-Ready Capabilities

Focus on AI & Cyber Warfare: Invest in autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare.
Space & Drone Warfare: Expand programs like ASAT (Anti-Satellite Weapons) and swarm drone technology.
Next-Gen Platforms: Accelerate projects like AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) and indigenous submarines.

Conclusion

India is on the right path, but achieving complete self-reliance in defence requires continuous innovation, strategic investments, and robust policy implementation. A strong domestic defence industry will not only enhance national security but also position India as a global defence exporter.