Context:
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The development marks a strategic shift from import-dependence to indigenisation and self-reliance in critical military platforms and technologies.
Key Highlights:
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Data, Targets, Schemes Mentioned:
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Defence production crossed record value (approx. ₹1 lakh crore+) in recent financial years.
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Defence exports reached record levels (₹20,000 crore+ approx.).
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Target: ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029–30.
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Stakeholders Involved:
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Ministry of Defence (MoD)
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DPSUs & Ordnance Factories
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Private Sector Companies
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MSMEs & Start-ups
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DRDO
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Armed Forces and international partner nations
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Significance / Applications / Concerns:
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Enhances strategic autonomy and reduces import dependence.
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Strengthens defence diplomacy via exports to friendly nations.
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Boosts employment, MSME growth, and technological innovation.
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Concerns include technology gaps, quality control, and global competitiveness.
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue & Background:
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India historically among the largest defence importers globally.
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Import dependence posed risks to national security and forex reserves.
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Causes / Drivers:
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Geopolitical tensions (China, Pakistan).
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Need for supply-chain resilience post Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Push for domestic manufacturing under Make in India.
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Government Initiatives / Schemes / Institutions:
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Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 – preference to Buy (Indian-IDDM).
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SRIJAN Portal for indigenisation.
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Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS).
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Technology Development Fund (TDF) by DRDO.
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Benefits / Importance:
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Reduces strategic vulnerability.
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Saves foreign exchange.
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Encourages R&D and dual-use technologies.
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Challenges / Risks / Criticism:
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Dependence on imported components.
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Limited private sector participation historically.
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Need for export competitiveness and certification standards.
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Impact (India + Global):
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India emerging as a reliable defence exporter to Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
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Strengthens India’s role in Indo-Pacific security architecture.
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Core Concept / Static Linkage:
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Strategic Autonomy in defence policy.
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Concept of Defence Industrial Base (DIB).
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Linkage with National Security Doctrine and Comprehensive National Power (CNP).
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Constitutional / Legal / Institutional Provisions:
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Defence under Union List (List I, Seventh Schedule).
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Role of DRDO, HAL, BEL, DPSUs.
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Procurement governed by Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP).
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Governance / Economic / Social / Ethical Dimensions:
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Economic multiplier effect of defence manufacturing.
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Balancing self-reliance with global partnerships.
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Ethical concerns in defence exports to conflict regions.
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Keywords for Answer Writing:
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Atmanirbharta
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Indigenisation
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Strategic Autonomy
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Defence Diplomacy
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Import Substitution
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Public-Private Partnership
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Way Forward:
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Strengthen R&D ecosystem and private sector innovation.
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Enhance technology transfer and joint ventures.
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Improve quality standards and export marketing strategy.
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Focus on AI, cyber warfare, space defence, and drones.
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS2: Government policies and interventions in defence sector.
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GS3: Defence technology, indigenisation, economic development, security.
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GS4: Ethical issues in defence exports and national interest.