Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
What is the negative imports list for defence?
Context:
The Defence Ministry has notified the second negative import list — now renamed as the ‘positive indigenisation list’ — of 108 items that can now be only purchased from indigenous sources. The new list takes the total number on the list to 209.
- The list comprises complex systems, sensors, simulator, weapons and ammunitions like helicopters, next generation corvettes, Air Borne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, tank engines.
Significance and implications of this move:
- Recognises the potential of local defence industry.
- Invigorate impetus to domestic Research and Development by attracting fresh investment into technology and manufacturing capabilities.
- Provides an excellent opportunity for ‘start-ups’ as also Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
What is the negative imports list policy?
Introduced in August 2020, the negative list essentially means that the Armed Forces—Army, Navy and Air Force—will only procure such items from domestic manufacturers.
- The manufacturers could be private sector players or Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
Why was this policy needed? What will be the impacts?
As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India has been the second largest importer between 2014 and 2019 with US$ 16.75 billion worth of imports during this period.
- The government wants to reduce the dependence on imported items in defence and give a shot in the arm to the domestic defence manufacturing industry.
- By denying the possibility of importing the items on the negative list, the domestic industry is given the opportunity to step up and manufacture them for the needs of the forces.
Insta Curious:
Do you know there is a negative list maintained by taxing authorities too?(Though not directly related to this article, it is good to know) : READ HERE (No need to remember everything)
Report on trends in global military expenditure:Click here
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- When was this policy introduced?
- Features.
- Exceptions.
- Implementing ministry.
Mains Link:
Discuss the need for and significance of the policy.
Sources: the Hindu.
