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Defence Indigenisation

Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

India's defence indigenisation policy, accelerated under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative (2020), aims to reduce import dependence and develop a robust domestic defence industrial base. The Ministry of Defence has issued three Positive Indigenisation Lists (PIL) — goods that can only be procured from domestic sources.

Key details

India spends approximately ₹6 lakh crore annually on defence; historically 60-70% of equipment was imported.
The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 introduced priority categories: Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) gets highest priority.
HAL is India's largest defence PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) — also produces Tejas (LCA), Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT-40), and Su-30MKI under licence.
Defence exports target: ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29 (India crossed ₹21,000 crore in FY24).
ALH Dhruv is listed in the Positive Indigenisation List — the Coast Guard and armed forces must procure rotary-wing aircraft in this category from HAL.

In the news

● Tracked since April 10, 2026 · last seen July 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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