Will India Eventually Stop Relying On Imports And Develop Its Own High-Tech Weaponry?

The enormous weight of India’s reliance on imports to wage its several wars and skirmishes since independence has sapped foreign exchange and constrained strategic alternatives. Self-reliance is not for the weak-willed, and it takes time to develop. It will take at least ten years of committed work. All stakeholders, especially those in the private sector, will require support and protection from the government.

The right trajectory has been reached as the nation approaches a century of independence, with a heavy emphasis on bolstering up indigenous defence manufacturing. A negative import list is one of the strongest components of the policy framework that has been established.

The goal is to develop a Rs 5 lakh crore defence and aerospace manufacturing market by 2047, with the cornerstone being fast upscaling of the private sector. When compared to the estimated., this would be a quantum leap.

More than 300 important systems that can only be obtained from domestic suppliers are already on the negative import list. Along with a variety of ammunition, this includes products like light attack aircraft, tanks, and assault guns. It will be crucial to maintain and grow this list.

For the armed forces to embrace technology and innovation, a sizable commercial industrial ecosystem will be essential. Startups and small businesses have already expressed interest in subjects like artificial intelligence, and the first systems like swarm drones and surveillance networks are about to be implemented.

With an industry that is dependent on instructions from the national forces, India cannot become self-sufficient. To survive and succeed, a business must play the global market.