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International Relations GS 2 In the news 4 times

India's Defence Indigenisation and Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

India's defence indigenisation drive — branded "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) — is a flagship policy launched in 2020 to reduce India's status as the world's largest arms importer. The policy involves Positive Indigenisation Lists (PIL), Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, increased FDI in defence (up to 74% via automatic route, 100% via government route), and establishment of two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors (UP and Tamil Nadu). Singh's call for drone self-reliance fits within this broader framework.

Key details
  • India was the world's largest arms importer for over a decade (SIPRI data); recent years show reduction.
  • Three Positive Indigenisation Lists (PIL) have been notified, covering 310+ items (missiles, helicopters, corvettes, sonar systems) that cannot be imported.
  • Defence exports reached a record ₹21,083 crore (~$2.5 billion) in FY 2023-24.
  • Defence Industrial Corridors: UP corridor (Agra–Aligarh–Lucknow–Kanpur–Chitrakoot) and Tamil Nadu corridor (Chennai–Hosur–Coimbatore–Salem–Tiruchirappalli).
  • iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) scheme supports startups and MSMEs in defence.
In the news

Tracked since March 07, 2026 · last seen May 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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