Defence ministry proposes foreign collaboration for arms manufacture in India | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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Defence ministry proposes foreign collaboration for arms manufacture in India

New Delhi, Hindustan Times | By
Jan 17, 2017 01:10 AM IST

The defence ministry has come out with a proposal for manufacturing top-of-the line fighters, warships and battle systems under the Make in India programme by facilitating collaboration between Indian and foreign arms manufacturers.

The defence ministry has come out with a proposal for manufacturing top-of-the line fighters, warships and battle systems under the Make in India programme by facilitating collaboration between Indian and foreign arms manufacturers.

To get rid of the tag of the world’s biggest importer, India is betting on its Make in India plan in the defence sector.(HT File Photo)
To get rid of the tag of the world’s biggest importer, India is betting on its Make in India plan in the defence sector.(HT File Photo)

The proposed “strategic partners” policy, which is awaiting approval, would invite long-term tie-ups and complete technology transfer, sources in the ministry said.

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“India will offer its private sector defence majors for tie-up with global defence manufacturers and allow them to manufacture in India provided full transfer of technology including source codes is agreed to,” a source in the ministry said.

The proposal goes beyond the “screwdriver technology” wherein foreign firms outsource few components to their Indian partners without sharing the technology.

India has an offset clause for defence purchases that require foreign firms to invest a portion of the deal in the country.

The ministry would identify Indian players in the private sector and put them in touch with foreign defence majors for making equipment in India for its military as well as exports.

Once two sides agree to a joint venture, the ministry would sign a long-term agreement with them, assuring dedicated orders and first right of refusal on upgrades.

This would ensure complete technology transfer and long-term commitment of the foreign firm to manufacture in India, sources said.

With the world’s military powers moving to armed pilotless drones on air, land and sea, India could invite foreign entities to make front-line fighters in the country, with domestic player contributing in equal share on manpower and resources, sources said.

While the US has offered co-development of vertical takeoff helicopters, India is keen on acquiring long-range and high-altitude armed drones for guarding its disputed borders with China and Pakistan and its 7,000km coastline.

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  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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    Author of Indian Mujahideen: The Enemy Within (2011, Hachette) and Himalayan Face-off: Chinese Assertion and Indian Riposte (2014, Hachette). Awarded K Subrahmanyam Prize for Strategic Studies in 2015 by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and the 2011 Ben Gurion Prize by Israel.

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