Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Q5. Analyse the structural and technological challenges confronting India’s defence manufacturing sector. How can India reduce dependence on defence imports? What reforms are necessary for achieving long-term strategic autonomy? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Due to recent global conflicts highlighting vulnerabilities arising from defence import dependence and the growing emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat in strategic sectors.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing the major structural and technological weaknesses in India’s defence manufacturing sector, explaining measures to reduce import dependence, and suggesting reforms necessary for achieving long-term strategic autonomy.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly mention how defence manufacturing has become central to national security, technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy in an era of geopolitical uncertainty.
Body
- Structural and technological challenges: Mention issues such as technological gaps, procurement delays, weak R&D ecosystem, import dependence or limited private participation.
- Reducing defence import dependence: Suggest measures like indigenisation, technology transfer, domestic innovation, MSME participation or emerging technology investment.
- Reforms for strategic autonomy: Indicate reforms in procurement, defence R&D, institutional capacity, public-private collaboration or long-term capability planning.
Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting that true strategic autonomy depends on indigenous technological capability, institutional efficiency and a globally competitive defence industrial ecosystem.
