India Makes A Stab At Global Arms Selling


Because of its pacifist strategic culture, India has refrained from exporting arms for several decades after independence. Its defence exports are less than two per cent of the total production of weapons and equipment.

These are mainly indigenously produced surplus small arms and light weapons supplied to some of the neighbours as a goodwill gesture.

But with the new Defence Production Policy facilitating joint ventures with foreign direct investment (FDI), it is expected to result in increased arms exports.

Indian industries are emerging as suppliers to foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), which would help build capabilities and enhance exports.

The change in thinking and policy is significant as the South Asian nation is the world's biggest importer of weapons. According to a March report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India accounted for 12 percent of global arms imports during 2008-12.

DRDO chief Avinash Chander says ADEX-2013 will provide India an opportunity for building technology partnerships for research and development and export.

Over the years India has built a large defence industrial base, comprising eight defence public sector undertakings, 39 ordnance factories, a network of high-technology research establishments under the DRDO and a number of private companies working on specific areas.

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Source: IANS