“Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is not achieved through substitution but through capability creation”. Discuss how India can transition from import-dependence to indigenous innovation. What are the strategic measures required to enable this transformation?
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Q6. “Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is not achieved through substitution but through capability creation”. Discuss how India can transition from import-dependence to indigenous innovation. What are the strategic measures required to enable this transformation? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question: The question is asked in the backdrop of India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, with focus shifting from import substitution to indigenous design and innovation amid rising domestic procurement and global technology challenges. Key Demand of the question: It requires analysing how India can evolve from import-dependence to innovation-led capability creation and then evaluating the strategic measures—policy, institutional, and technological—needed to achieve true defence self-reliance. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Define defence self-reliance as capability creation beyond import substitution and link it to strategic autonomy and national security. Body: Explain steps like strengthening R&D, private–public synergy, innovation ecosystems, and skill development to move towards indigenous design. Mention procurement reforms, fiscal incentives, institutional mechanisms, and strategic partnerships to sustain innovation. Conclusion: End with a futuristic note on integrating innovation, export competitiveness, and technology sovereignty for India’s defence transformation.
Why the question: The question is asked in the backdrop of India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, with focus shifting from import substitution to indigenous design and innovation amid rising domestic procurement and global technology challenges.
Key Demand of the question: It requires analysing how India can evolve from import-dependence to innovation-led capability creation and then evaluating the strategic measures—policy, institutional, and technological—needed to achieve true defence self-reliance.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction:
Define defence self-reliance as capability creation beyond import substitution and link it to strategic autonomy and national security. Body:
• Explain steps like strengthening R&D, private–public synergy, innovation ecosystems, and skill development to move towards indigenous design.
• Mention procurement reforms, fiscal incentives, institutional mechanisms, and strategic partnerships to sustain innovation.
Conclusion:
End with a futuristic note on integrating innovation, export competitiveness, and technology sovereignty for India’s defence transformation.