Will India move away from import dependence and become self-reliant in hi-tech weapons?

India’s dependence on imports to fight its many wars and skirmishes since independence has been a heavy burden, draining foreign exchange and limiting strategic options. Self-dependence is not for the fainthearted and cannot be achieved overnight. It will require dedicated efforts for at least a decade. The government will need to handhold and protect all stakeholders, particularly the private sector.

As the country moves toward a century of freedom, the right trajectory has been achieved with a strong focus on shoring up domestic defence manufacturing. The policy framework has been created, with its strongest aspects being a negative import list.

Ambitious targets have been set, with the cornerstone being rapid upscaling of the private industry, with an aim to create a Rs 5 lakh crore defence and aerospace manufacturing market by 2047. This would be a quantum jump from the estimated Rs 1 lakh crore market in 2022.

The negative import list already contains over 300 major systems that will only be procured from local sources. This includes products ranging from light attack aircraft to tanks and assault rifles besides a range of ammunition. It will be vital to protect and expand this list.

Several moves have also been made to make the sector competitive.


The presence of a large private sector manufacturing ecosystem will be vital for infusion of technology and innovation in the armed forces. Already, in fields like Artificial Intelligence, startups and small firms have shown interest, with the first systems such as swarm drones and surveillance networks set to be inducted.

India cannot become self-reliant with an industry that depends on the national forces for orders. Playing the global market is essential to the survival and success of private sector players. If the target of achieving $ 5 billion worth of exports by 2025 is met, it will be an indicator that India is on the right path.