Self-sufficiency is a Strategic Imperative for India Now: COAS

Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande visited Ammo India 2022 for a special session

- AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

THE SECOND DAY OF Ammo India 2022, witnessed the discussions maturing and expanding around a wide spectrum of topics. Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande visited the conference for a special session. General Pande stressed that self-sufficiency in critical defence requirements is a strategic imperative now more than ever. "Our external dependence on armaments and ammunitions have been a matter of concern and the reversing of this trend, which we are witnessing, is quite encouraging," he added. As recently released by the Defence Ministry, the expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources which used to be 46 per cent of the overall expenditure has reduced to 36 per cent in the last four years i.e. 2018-19 to 2021-22.

Addressing a special session, the Chief highlighted the potential for domestic and foreign players in Indian defence production, and stated that Atmanirbharta does not mean isolating from the world, but it is self-sustaining and self-generating to promote efficiency, quality, and resilience. "It has been unequivocally stated that collaboration with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)s is intrinsic to Atmanirbhar Bharat and we have moved from a relationship of buyer-seller to codevelopment and co-production with our foreign partners," he said.

General Pande stated that the ongoing reforms in the defence sector offer an opportunity for the foreign OEMs to partner with the Indian companies and work towards our shared objectives. There is a huge potential for exports which can also contribute to the Prime Minister's vision of a $5 trillion economy. "Therefore, the vision of achieving Atmanirbharta in ammunition requires a synergised approach from all stakeholders. Together, with the need to turn the initiative into another success story and a win-win situation for all," he emphasised.