Govt open to new ideas, Rajnath Singh assures industry leaders
India does not want to remain just an assembly workshop and is looking to engage with friendly countries in defence and security industries based on sharing expertise and capabilities under the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision.
This message was delivered by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Aero India 2023’s CEO Roundtable on 13 Feb 2023, with an assurance to industry leaders that the Government is open to new ideas and is committed to fully harness the energy, entrepreneurial spirit and capability of private sector partners in the area of defence production.
He extended the Government’s full support towards removing obstacles and facilitating businesses, while voicing resolve of nurturing a vibrant and world-class defence manufacturing industry, terming it as the key driver of Indian economy.
He enumerated a number of far-reaching reforms undertaken by Ministry of Defence to create a business-friendly climate in the country.
These include:
setting up of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu;
simplification of industrial licensing processes;
hike in cap on FDI in defence;
opening of government trial and testing facilities for the private sector;
increase in capital outlay for defence in Budget 2023-24 and launch of Technology Development Fund and Innovations for Defence Excellence.
He said, “These reforms will enable Indian defence products to compete with established global defence and aerospace companies.”
He stated that the partnership between the Government and Industry is based on equality and mutual trust.
The Minister addressed over 70 CEOs of local and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) during a Round Table organised as part of Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru on 13 Feb 2023.
More than 75 companies, including 28 foreign OEMs from 15 countries and domestic companies as well as DPSUs participated in the discussion. There was official participation from countries including Sudan and Saudi Arabia. The significance of roundtable discussion as “dialogue between equals” was emphasised.
Many foreign OEMs made announcements regarding their plans for investments and collaborations including Safran, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Thales in defence and aerospace sector.
General Atomics and Bharat Forge also announced to deepen their collaboration in aircraft components and parts.
Hensoldt announced Design/TOT and IPR transfer of obstacle avoidance system for Indian Helicopters and co-develop Advanced Multi Sensor Electro-optics Airborne Gimbals for the Indian and world market.
CEOs of domestic companies including Bharat Forge, L&T and Mahindra Defence Systems shared their views on major reforms and their impetus for robust defence system under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The Roundtable CEOs engaged industries for co-development and co-production to make India a Commercial Manufacturing Hub and base for global product support, while exploring Indian and Global market. fiinews.com
