How 10 years of PM Modi’s tenure propelled India's defence sector towards self-reliance

New Delhi: Despite a rich trition of manufacturing weapons, post-independence, India’s domestic defence industry faced stagnation, leing to increased dependence on imports for strategic needs. Corruption scandals furr compounded challenges, highlighting urgent need for indigenous development and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in light of evolving global security landscape. However, nation’s defence industry has undergone rapid transformation since onset of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. BJP is credited with laying down a comprehensive vision for indigenous defence manufacturing in its 2014 manifesto.  

To achieve goal of self-reliance in defence sector, a series of bold decisions and policy reforms have been set in motion. Upon assuming power, government embarked on a transformative path, emphasizing development of domestic defence manufacturing capacity under "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign. Reforms in Defence Procurement Policy, such as introduction of categories like "Buy Indian - Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured" (IDDM) have been pivotal in prioritizing procurement from domestic sources. ditionally, introduction of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and release of lists for indigenization have furr bolstered domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. Some major developments in defence sector under tenure of Bhartiya Janta Party have been-  

Chief of Defence Staff  

Learning from past experiences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised many during his second term by announcing establishment of post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), heralding current military transformation. Gen. Bipin Rawat, appointed as first CDS in December 2019, led top-down defence reform initiatives and was first to he newly created Department of Military Affairs. This move was hailed as " most significant development in national security domain since Independence."   

In bro terms, this transformation consists of three main developments. First, chief of defence staff led top-down defence reform initiatives. Second, PM Modi placed particular emphasis on building up India’s domestic defence industry. Third, Indian military has taken on a central role in signalling its foreign policy priorities, reflecting a response to rise of China and its newfound aggressiveness.  

Military Diplomacy and Foreign Policy  

Anor significant element of transformation lies in military diplomacy, where Indian military plays a central role in signalling foreign policy priorities. PM Modi's government has swiftly completed foundational agreements with United States, enhancing U.S.-Indian military ties and engaging with like-minded partners, including Qu countries, in response to China's assertiveness. This shift has empowered Indian military within India’s larger foreign policy framework, signalling a departure from past hesitancy.   

Furrmore, Indian government proved on September 28, that nation’s armed forces would be used to pre-empt enemy attacks when Indian Special Forces were given green light to carry out a surgical strike behind enemy lines. strike, carried out in aftermath of a dastardly attack on Indian Army’s camp in Uri, significantly changed image of Indian armed forces world over. India proved policy of zero tolerance on terrorism.  

Propelling women's participation in armed forces  

Participation of women in Indian Armed Forces has seldom been a hot topic for debate. On December 4, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that government was committed to increasing strength of women in armed forces. “Today, India is setting bigger targets for itself and is utilising its full potential to achieve those targets,” PM said on occasion of Navy Day. Notably, as per data accessed by Republic, as of January 1, 2023, nearly 1,733 women officers and 100 or ranks are currently serving in Indian Army. Meanwhile, 1,733 women officers and 155 women agniveervayu are serving in Indian Air Force and; 580 women officers and 726 women sailors are serving with Indian Navy.   

Furrmore, by granting Permanent Commission (PC) to Women Officers (WOs) in 12 Arms & Services, in dition to existing opportunities in Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, and Military Nursing Service, Indian Army has taken a decisive step towards ensuring parity and a gender-neutral environment for all its personnel. decision to open entry for women candidates in National Defence Acemy (NDA) furr demonstrates government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for men and women in defence service. With women cets now joining NDA in batches, organization is making proactive efforts to facilitate necessary ministrative, training, and policy changes to accommodate this inclusive approach.  

Decolonization of Indian Armed Forces  

Indian Army's initiative to study ancient Sanskrit and Tamil texts from 4th century BCE to 8th century CE as part of its 'decolonising' efforts signifies a significant departure from conventional military doctrine. aim is to rediscover India's rich heritage in statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy, and grand strategy, with intention of operationalizing se insights in contemporary regional nuclear weapons environment. This move reflects a broer trend towards reclaiming indigenous knowledge and tritions within Indian military, aligning with government's mandate for decolonization.  

Similarly, Indian Navy (IN) has taken steps towards cultural transformation by considering incorporation of kurta-pyjama attire into its formal dress code. Discussions at recent biannual IN commanders' conference in New Delhi centred on this proposal, signalling a departure from tritional naval attire norms. Variations of proposed dress, including a shorter kurta paired with a waistcoat and drainpipe pyjama, were showcased for approval by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt. This was viewed as a progressive step towards embracing indigenous cultural elements within armed forces. potential inclusion of kurta-pyjama in IN's formal couture signifies a broer shift towards inclusivity and cultural diversity within military establishment. It reflects a departure from colonial-era practices and a recognition of India's rich sartorial heritage.  

aterisation of Indian Armed Forces  

Recently, Indian Army organised Exercise Bharat Shakti, a tri-services fire and manoeuvre exercise at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. Held on March 12, 2024, synergised demonstration of India’s defence capabilities during exercise at Pokaran was a testimony to government’s commitment towards modernisation of Indian Armed Forces through indigenisation. Exercise Bharat Shakti simulated realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations carried out by all three services, which displayed integrated operational capabilities to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains. Notably, government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pushing to achieve goal of aterisation. idea revolves around integration of army, air force, and navy under a single unified command structure for a specific geographical area. Exercise Bharat Shakti not only displayed indigenous defence capability of Armed Forces but also displayed integration and jointness that is being achieved in various aspects like communications, training, inter-operability and logistics.  

Enhancing India’s Missile Warfare Capabilities  

Amid constantly shifting geopolitical relations and emerging flashpoints all over world, Indian government significantly shifted its focus to improve air defence as well as offence capabilities of armed forces. Notably, nation recently successfully carried out test of Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. test carried out by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Mission Divyastra validated nation’s prowess in defence capabilities.  

Furrmore, Ministry of Defence has taken a significant step towards enhancing India's defence capabilities by signing a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) for Indian Army. This contract, valued at over Rs 8,160 crore, underscores government's commitment to strengning country's air defence capabilities. procurement of improved AWS includes provisions for 3rd and 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence, comprising live Missiles & Launchers with upgres, Ground Support Equipment, Vehicles, and Infrastructure. This comprehensive approach ensures that Indian Army is equipped with state-of--art technology and resources to effectively counter emerging threats.   

One of notable features of this project is its high indigenous content, with an initial level of 82% expected to increase to 93% by 2026-27. This highlights India's efforts towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reduces dependency on foreign suppliers.

Emphasis on Indigenous Defence Industry 

BJP ministration prioritized building India’s domestic defence industry under "self-reliant India" (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) initiative. Past governments grappled with India's status as world’s largest arms importer. However, Modi government's policies, despite facing opposition from labour unions, fostered collaboration between state-owned and private-sector defence enterprises, driving a parigm shift in sector's mindset towards cooperation and export focus.  

Recognizing precariousness of situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) laid down a comprehensive vision for indigenous defence manufacturing in its 2014 manifesto. cornerstone of this vision was "Make in India" initiative. This initiative has been instrumental in encouraging domestic production and fostering innovation within defence sector.  

Budget allocation and infrastructure development  

To achieve this goal, a series of bold decisions and policy reforms have been set in motion. One of key areas of focus has been increase in defence budget and its effective utilization in developing domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. In FY 2023-24, a record 75% of defence capital procurement budget, approximately Rs. 1 lakh crore was allocated to domestic industry, up from 68% in previous fiscal year.  

ditionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka, which is largest helicopter manufacturing facility in India. Moreover, foundation stone for manufacturing facility of 40 C-295 transport aircraft was laid by Prime Minister in Vodara, Gujarat, in October 2022. first Me in India C-295 aircraft is expected to roll out of Vodara FAL in September 2026 in what will be a milestone for Indian aerospace industry.  

OROP implementation and OFB modernisation  

Taking anor critical decision, Modi government implemented long-pending One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, benefiting 20.6 lakh pensioners or ir family members. With an annual expenditure of Rs. 7,123 crore, this scheme has provided much-needed financial support to veterans. Sparsh scheme complements OROP, ensuring direct disbursement of funds to pensioners' bank accounts, eliminating intermediaries and streamlining distribution process. In 2021-22 alone, over 5 lakh pensioners received Rs. 11,600 crores through Sparsh platform, enhancing transparency and efficiency in pension disbursement.  

Furrmore, seven new defence companies were recently dedicated to nation, marking a crucial step in modernisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). This decision underscores government's commitment to transforming OFB from a department into seven corporations wholly owned by government. Furrmore, twenty-five per cent of R&D budget for defence has been allocated to industry professionals, startups, and research initiatives, promoting innovation and technological vancement within sector.  

IDEX scheme and boost in defence exports  

India has witnessed a remarkable 334 per cent increase in export of defence materials since 2014-15, reaching Rs. 8,434 crores in 2020-21. This significant growth underscores rising global demand for Indian defence goods, with exports now spanning 84 countries. Unique competitions like Defence Innovation Startup Challenge have been instrumental in facilitating collaboration between armed forces and innovative startups, ensuring delivery of cutting-edge products to meet strategic requirements.  

Moreover, private sector participation has been encouraged through initiatives like "Innovations for Defence Excellence" (iDEX), aimed at fostering indigenous innovation and technology development. In tandem with se efforts, foreign direct investment (FDI) policies in defence sector have been liberalized to encourage foreign original equipment manufacturers to invest, manufacture, and export from India.