India has made significant strides in its defence exports, achieving a record high of ₹15,920 crore in the financial year 2022-2023. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced this achievement on April 1, which marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to become a major exporter of defence equipment. The government has set the ambitious target of manufacturing defence hardware worth ₹1,75,000 crore and increasing defence exports to ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25.

 

To promote domestic defence production, the Indian government has introduced several measures in the last few years. These include providing incentives to local defence manufacturers, setting up a Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), and launching the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) in 2020. The DPEPP aims to promote the production and export of defence products in India and encourage the use of indigenous components and technology in the defence industry.

 

To simplify the export process, the Indian government has established the Defence Export Facilitation Cell (DEFC) to help defence manufacturers obtain export licences and necessary documentation. Additionally, India has strengthened its defence ties with other countries such as the United States, Russia, and France, by signing agreements that allow for technology transfer and sharing of defence-related information.

 

India's successful efforts in promoting domestic defence production have paid off, as evidenced by the record-high defence exports. This achievement is a testament to the government's commitment to making India a major exporter of defence equipment and promoting self-reliance in defence production. It is also a step towards India's vision of becoming a global leader in defence production and exports. Reference source: TH

 

UPSC Main Exam Question

 

What steps has the Indian government taken in recent years to promote domestic defence production and increase defence exports, and how have these efforts resulted in India achieving an all-time high in defence exports?

 

Answer: In recent years, the Indian government has taken several steps to promote domestic defence production and increase defence exports. These steps include providing incentives to local defence manufacturers, setting up a Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), and introducing the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). The DPEPP, launched in 2020, aims to promote the production and export of defence products in India, provide a level playing field to the domestic industry, and enable the defence industry to compete globally.

 

The government has also taken steps to simplify the export process by setting up the Defence Export Facilitation Cell (DEFC). This cell helps defence manufacturers with the process of obtaining export licenses and other necessary documentation. India has also signed agreements with countries such as the United States, Russia and France to strengthen its defence ties. These agreements allow for the transfer of technology and the sharing of defence-related information.

 

These efforts have resulted in India achieving an all-time high in defence exports, with military hardware worth ₹15,920 crore being exported in the financial year 2022-2023. The government has set the target of manufacturing defence hardware worth ₹1,75,000 crore and taking defence exports to ₹35,000 crore by 2024-25. India's achievement is a testament to the government's commitment to promoting domestic defence production and making India a major exporter of defence equipment.