• UGI USER
  • Nov 13, 2023
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INDIA AS GLOBAL PLAYER IN DEFENCE SECTOR

Why in the News?

  • Prime Minister celebrated Diwali at Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh. He expresses the necessity of protecting India’s borders, likening the role of soldiers to the safeguarding presence of the Himalayas.
  • He applauds soldiers for their role in various humanitarian efforts, including evacuations in earthquake-hit areas and response during other calamities.

Reduction in Foreign Defence Procurement:

  • The expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources has seen a decline, dropping from 46% of the overall expenditure in 2018-19 to 7% as of December 2022.

 

Defence Production

  • India’s defence production has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing ₹1 trillion rupees ($12 billion) in FY23.
  • It signifies a year-on-year growth of over 12%, highlighting the robustness of India’s defence Industries.

Defence Exports

  • The Defence Ministry acknowledges a 23-fold increase in exports, while demonstrating India’s growing design and development capabilities in over 85 countries.
    • From Rs. 686 Crore in FY 2013-14 to approximately Rs. 16,000 Crore in FY 2022-23.
  • Notable examples include – BrahMos missiles, Akash air defence systems, Dornier-228, artillery guns, PINAKA rockets and launchers, radars, simulators, and armoured vehicles.
  • The figures for defence exports indicate a progression over the past three fiscal years, reaching Rs 8,435 crore in FY21, Rs 12,815 crore in FY22, and peaking at Rs 15,918 crore in FY23.

Export Strategy:

  • Focuses on identifying and cultivating relationships with friendly nations.
  • Emphasis on exploring new markets.
  • Focus on countries in South East Asia and Africa.
  • Efforts to expand the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector.