Chasing the mirage of self-reliance

Self reliance in Defence Production has been a major, but elusive goal of Indian Defence policy over the last six decades. Despite an elaborate defence manufacturing and R&D system built up in the public sector through DRDO, DPSUs and OFB, the degree of self reliance has hovered around 30 %, with major weapons systems and platforms continuing to be imported. India now occupies pride of place among nations importing defence equipment. It is clear that policy initiatives over the last few decades have failed to deliver on self reliance.

The Defence Production Policy 2011, announced with fanfare