Indian Defence Capabilities Surge Decade

17 May 2024 CW Team

Over the past ten years, India has seen a remarkable transformation in its defence capabilities, largely attributed to the policies and initiatives under the Modi government. A significant highlight is the reduction in dependency on foreign arms imports, with 60% of the country's total arms and ammunition now being produced domestically.

According to NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat, India's defence ecosystem has become predominantly indigenous. This shift has been driven by the involvement of major Indian corporations such as the Adani Group, Tata Group, and Larsen & Toubro, which are now manufacturing advanced military equipment including radar systems and artillery.

Despite the increase in defence requirements, the proportion of imports has decreased, thanks to the focus on domestic production. This has been underscored by reports from the Swedish think tank SIPRI, which notes that while India remains the world's largest arms importer, the ratio of imports to total defence procurement is diminishing.

The Indian Army has made significant strides towards self-reliance, especially in ammunition production. The initiative aims to source almost all types of ammunition locally by 2025-26, a move that highlights the nation's commitment to indigenisation.

The Modi government?s defence policies have facilitated substantial investments in research and development, enhancing the country's strategic autonomy. These efforts are crucial for maintaining India's security and addressing the evolving global threat landscape.

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.

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