Self-reliance in defence key to achieve strategic autonomy: Defence Secretary

Key Highlights

• The evolving global supply chains and rapidly advancing technologies present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for India’s defence sector, the defence secretary said.
• Guided by the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), the defence sector has moved from import dependence to a vibrant ecosystem comprising defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), private industry, MSMEs and startups, he said.
• The defence secretary stressed that concerted efforts towards ease of doing business and continued policy reforms have catalysed an indigenous manufacturing surge, encouraging domestic design and production of various platforms and weapon systems.
• He noted that more than 788 industrial licences have been issued to 462 companies, significantly boosting private sector participation.
• Singh, however, did not specifically mention the time period during which the industrial licences were issued.