Modi 3.0: How Defence Self-Reliance Is Central To Viksit Bharat Vision
India’s defence self-reliance push, led by the Modi government, aims to reduce dependency on foreign arms suppliers by accelerating domestic production, with indigenous systems like drones already proving effective in operations like Sindoor. The strategy includes Positive Indigenisation Lists, increased private sector participation, and policies to ensure 70% domestic content in future procurements, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by global supply chain risks.
India’s push for defence self-reliance has become central to its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, with the government arguing that foreign dependency on weapons creates strategic vulnerabilities. A decade ago, India imported 60-70% of its military equipment, primarily from Russia, France, Israel, and the U.S., with negligible defence exports. Domestic projects like the Arjun tank and Tejas fighter were delayed, leaving India reliant on foreign supply chains for spares and upgrades, which could be disrupted by geopolitical tensions. The 2019 operation Sindoor marked a turning point, demonstrating the effectiveness of indigenous systems like drones from companies such as IdeaForge, which had been quietly developed over years. The operation highlighted the need for self-sufficiency, as global conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine have shown how quickly munitions are consumed and how few nations can sustain prolonged wars without robust industrial depth. Sanctions and technology restrictions further underscore the risks of over-reliance on foreign suppliers. To address this, India has implemented policies like the Positive Indigenisation Lists, mandating domestic production for certain defence items, and increased private sector participation. The government now requires 70% indigenous content in future procurements, with plans to expand this to 80% by 2025. These measures aim to reduce dependency while fostering a self-sustaining defence ecosystem, ensuring India’s military capabilities are not compromised by external factors. The strategy also includes incentives for private companies to enter defence manufacturing, breaking the earlier government monopoly. The focus is on building a resilient supply chain capable of supporting operations without foreign interference, aligning with India’s broader economic and security goals. By 2047, the aim is not just to be a defence manufacturer but to ensure self-reliance is a cornerstone of national security.
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