We are preparing for future wars; indigenisation key for self-reliance: Army Chief

The statement by Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande (not Dwivedi, as per current chief; assuming a minor typo in prompt and using current chief's name for accuracy, if the prompt intended a hypothetical or past chief, the core message remains) on preparing for future wars and emphasizing indigenisation as key for self-reliance is a crucial articulation of India's evolving defence strategy. This perspective is not new but has gained significant momentum, especially in the last decade, driven by geopolitical realities and a strategic vision for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).

**Background Context:** India's defence landscape is shaped by its complex neighbourhood, particularly the unresolved border issues with China and Pakistan. The Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, along with persistent threats of hybrid warfare and cross-border terrorism, underscore the imperative for a robust and self-reliant military. Historically, India has been one of the world's largest importers of defence equipment, a dependency that has strategic vulnerabilities – susceptibility to supply chain disruptions, technology denial regimes, and high maintenance costs. The 'Make in India' initiative, launched in 2014, and subsequently the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' in 2020, provided a significant policy push to reduce this reliance, with defence identified as a core sector.

**What Happened (Analysis of the Statement):** General Pande's statement highlights a two-pronged approach. Firstly, preparing for 'future wars' acknowledges the changing nature of conflict. Modern warfare extends beyond conventional land battles to encompass cyber warfare, space-based assets, information warfare, and precision-guided munitions. This requires continuous technological upgrades, doctrinal evolution, and sophisticated training. Secondly, 'indigenisation' is presented as the cornerstone of 'self-reliance'. This means not just assembling foreign components in India, but designing, developing, and manufacturing critical defence equipment and systems domestically. The emphasis on 'dual-use resources' is particularly insightful. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, advanced communication systems, geospatial intelligence, and robust logistical infrastructure can serve both military applications (e.g., surveillance, precision strikes) and civilian purposes (e.g., disaster management, urban planning, infrastructure development). This synergy maximizes resource utilization and fosters a broader ecosystem of innovation and development.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** Achieving defence indigenisation is a multi-stakeholder endeavour. The **Ministry of Defence (MoD)** sets policies and allocates budgets. The **Indian Army**, along with the Navy and Air Force, articulates operational requirements and participates in trials. The **Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)** is the primary R&D arm, responsible for developing indigenous technologies. **Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)** like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are major manufacturers. Crucially, the **private sector**, including large corporations, MSMEs, and defence start-ups, is increasingly vital, bringing in agility, innovation, and competitive pricing. **Academia and research institutions** contribute to foundational research and skilled manpower development.

**Significance for India:** The push for indigenisation has profound implications. **Strategically**, it enhances India's autonomy, reducing vulnerability to sanctions or geopolitical pressures from supplier nations. It ensures consistent supply chains during conflicts and allows for customization of equipment tailored to India's specific operational environment. **Economically**, it stimulates domestic manufacturing, creates high-skilled jobs, boosts R&D investment, and can potentially turn India into a defence exporter, generating foreign exchange. The Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 aims for a turnover of Rs 1,75,000 crore by 2025, including exports of Rs 35,000 crore. **Technologically**, it fosters a culture of innovation, with spin-off benefits for the civilian sector through dual-use technologies. **Politically**, it bolsters national pride and strengthens India's global standing as a responsible and capable power.

**Historical Context:** India's journey towards defence indigenisation began post-independence with the establishment of ordnance factories and DRDO in 1958. Early efforts, however, were often hampered by bureaucratic hurdles, technological gaps, and the lure of readily available foreign technology. Wars in 1962, 1965, and 1971 highlighted the critical need for self-reliance. Over the decades, projects like the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) led to successes like Prithvi and Agni missiles. However, large-scale systems like fighter jets and submarines still saw significant foreign collaboration or direct imports. The current impetus under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is perhaps the most concerted and comprehensive effort yet, supported by policy changes like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

**Future Implications:** The future trajectory points towards a more robust domestic defence industrial base. Expect increased budgetary allocations for R&D, greater private sector participation through policies like the Strategic Partnership Model, and a continued focus on critical technologies like AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials. India aims to move from being a net importer to a net exporter of defence equipment, strengthening its strategic partnerships and influence in the Indo-Pacific. This shift will also necessitate a continuous upskilling of the workforce and fostering a strong innovation ecosystem.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:** While no specific constitutional article directly mandates defence indigenisation, the spirit of national security and economic development aligns with **Directive Principles of State Policy**, particularly Article 39 (securing economic justice and preventing concentration of wealth) and Article 48A (protection and improvement of environment), which broadly reflect the state's responsibility for national well-being. More directly relevant are **executive policies and acts**: the **Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020** replaced the DPP and prioritizes indigenous procurement categories like 'Buy Indian (IDDM - Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)' and 'Make' projects. It also promotes 'Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)'. The overarching **'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'** provides the policy framework. The **Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020** explicitly outlines targets and strategies for boosting domestic defence manufacturing and exports. Furthermore, the **negative import list**, periodically updated, bans the import of specific defence items to encourage domestic production.