Will Continue the Policy for Defence Reforms to Boost Manufacturing

Furthering the country’s defence production target of ? three lakh crore by 2029 and leading such initiatives is Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. In this special conversation, Sanjeev Kumar outlines the policies for defence competitiveness globally for the Indian industry –private and public, thrust on advanced technology such as engines, propulsion systems and materials and what are the incentives or policy direction to excite R&D in the defence industry.

In an exclusive interaction with Manish Kumar Jha, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar outlines key policy reforms and announcements for both: Public and Private industries

A technocrat with Electronics & Communication Engineering from IIT, Kanpur, he is poised, and well-placed to understand the complexities of military technology and ever-changing dynamics of production in the wake of AI, ML and hybrid/autonomous modern assembly lines. Further, his leadership in designing and launching various national policies and initiatives including the PMAY is highly encouraging that he would be rallying for reforms and efficiency in India’s quest for self-reliance not only in the higher scale of defence manufacturing but put his thrust on new emerging and critical technologies.

In this special conversation, Sanjeev Kumar outlines the policies for defence competitiveness globally for Indian industry –private and public, thrust on advanced technology such as engine, propulsion systems and materials and what are the incentives or policy direction to excite R&D in defence industry?

Manish Kumar Jha (Manish Jha): India’s defence production reached a record high of approximately ?1.27 lakh crore. The country’s defence production is aimed to reach a target of ? three lakh crore by 2029. Could you give the roadmap?

Sanjeev Kumar: The story of India’s Defence production in right earnest, started in the year 2014-15 with government focus on ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The domestic defence production has grown from ?43,746 crores in 2013-14 to more than ?1,27,000 crores in 2023-24.

“Defence exports involve multiple stakeholders and importing countries prefer quality equipment trusted and used by our armed forces hence endorsement of our armed forces directly or indirectly plays a very critical role”

Clarion call given by the Prime Minister for Atmanirbhar Bharat was reflected in the policies of Defence Procurement by reserving 75 per cent of Capital procurement through domestic route under DAP-2020. Support, guidance and acceptance by the Indian Armed Forces and the response of Indian industries to the products developed by DRDO have resulted in the fruitful realisation of the Atmanirbhar policy.

Manish Jha: How does the public procurement process boost domestic production for both private and DPSUs?

Sanjeev Kumar: https://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=3693&h=Will-Continue-the-Policy-for-Defence-Reforms-to-Boost-Manufacturing

Manish Jha: Recent reforms of Ordnance factories into DPSUs aim to bring efficiency and higher innovations. Could you talk about their growth in terms of production and revenues?

Sanjeev Kumar: https://www.sps-aviation.com/story/?id=3693&h=Will-Continue-the-Policy-for-Defence-Reforms-to-Boost-Manufacturing

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