Syllabus: Internal Security
Strategic Context
- India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision depends on economic growth and robust strategic capabilities.
- A strong defence industrial base is vital for national security and strategic autonomy.
- Historically, restrictive policies limited private participation, increasing import dependence.
- Reliance on foreign private suppliers created structural vulnerabilities and security risks.
Post-Reform Transformation
- Recent reforms have opened defence manufacturing to private sector participation.
- FDI liberalisation, corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, and expanded ‘Make’ procurement strengthened the ecosystem.
- Pro-active innovation promotion boosted domestic capabilities.
- Defence production has increased, with exports reaching over 80 countries.
- India is emerging as part of global defence supply chains.
Global Security and Geopolitical Opportunities
- Conflicts in Europe, West Asia and Asia exposed fragility of global supply chains.
- Countries with strong domestic defence industries showed greater strategic resilience.
- India faces persistent border and maritime challenges, making self-reliance indispensable.
- Rising European defence spending and saturation of traditional suppliers create new markets.
- India’s Indian Ocean Region location and diplomatic outreach enhance export potential.
Reform Imperatives
- Regulatory complexity continues to deter MSMEs and startups.
- Export licensing, joint ventures and technology-transfer approvals need faster clearances.
- Long-term demand visibility is necessary to attract large private investments.
- Achieving ₹50,000 crore defence exports by 2029 requires policy continuity.
Role of DRDO and Institutional Support
- DRDO should prioritise frontier research and advanced technology development.
- Production, scaling and commercialisation should shift to public and private industry.
- A dedicated defence export facilitation agency can provide single-window coordination.
Financial and Infrastructure Reforms
- Manufacturers face credit constraints, stringent standards and delayed trials.
- Export financing instruments, integrated testing facilities and international certifications are required.
- Government-to-government agreements and long-term service commitments boost credibility.
Overall Significance
- Defence exports signify technological maturity and strategic reliability.
- A strong defence industrial base reduces imports, creates high-skilled jobs, and enhances geopolitical leverage.
- Sustained reforms are essential for India’s emergence as a confident global power.