MoD Confirms Fifth Positive Indigenisation List of 346 Domestically Procured Products

The Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production (DDP) has released the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) in an effort to achieve Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance, in the defence sector and decrease imports by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

Raw materials, components, systems, sub-systems, assemblies, spares, and components are among the 346 strategically vital goods listed by the Ministry of Defence in their most recent declaration. These goods are thought to have a substitute value of INR 1,048 crore when imported.

Aligning With PM’s Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat

This action is in line with the goals of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Ministry of Defence's continuous initiatives, spearheaded by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, to promote defence industry self-sufficiency.

Launched in 2020, the SRIJAN PORTAL allows DPSUs and SHQs to submit defence items for indigenisation. It targets companies such as startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Much progress has been made in indigenising defensive products as a result of this project.

DSPUs Contributing to Indigenisation

Several of the DPSUs, including HAL, BEL, BDL, BEML, IOL, MDL, GSL, GRSE, and HSL, will indigenise the items in the fifth PIL in their own manner.

Some of these paths include working with industry partners, such as MSMEs, or developing internally through the "Make in India" approach. The goal of this strategy is to lessen reliance on foreign imports, increase investment in defence, and boost economic growth.

Working in tandem with educational and scientific organisations, it will also improve the home defence industry's design capabilities.

The DPSUs have started posting Expressions of Interest (EoIs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs) on their websites, with links given on the Srijan Portal Dashboard, to help in this process. According to the official statement, industry players, MSMEs, and startups are all urged to actively engage.

Progress Report

Out of the 4,666 goods listed by the DDP for DPSUs in four PILs, 2,972 have been indigenised, with an import substitution value of INR 3,400 crore.

In addition to the five DPSU lists, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) has notified five positive indigenisation lists totaling 509 items. These lists contain goods such as highly sophisticated systems, sensors, weapons, and ammunition.

More than 36,000 military goods have been made available for indigenisation by DPSUs and SHQs as of June 2024. Over the course of the past three years alone, more than 12,300 goods have been indigenised, which has led to DPSUs making orders with domestic suppliers totaling INR 7,572 crore rupees.

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