To promote self-reliance and reduce imports in the defense sector, the Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in India have taken a significant step. The Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, has approved the 4th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising 928 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs), sub-systems, spares, and components. These items, including high-end materials and spares, have an import substitution value of Rs 715 crore.
Detailed information about these items can be found on the SRIJAN Portal (https://srijandefence.gov.in/). It is mandatory that these items are procured solely from the Indian industry within the specified timelines mentioned in the list.
This new list builds upon the previous three PILs that were published in December 2021, March 2022, and August 2022. Combined, these lists include 2,500 items that have already been indigenized, as well as 1,238 items that are expected to be indigenized within the designated timelines. Of the 1,238 items, 310 items have already been successfully indigenized (262 from the 1st PIL, 11 from the 2nd PIL, and 37 from the 3rd PIL).
The DPSUs will undertake the indigenization process for these items through various routes under the “Make” category, utilizing the capabilities of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the private Indian industry. This approach aims to boost economic growth, encourage investment in defense, and reduce the dependence on imports by DPSUs. Additionally, this initiative will enhance the design capabilities of the domestic defense industry by involving academia and research institutions.
The DPSUs will soon initiate the procurement process for the notified items. The industry can find Expression of Interest (EoIs) and Request for Proposal (RFPs) on the dedicated Srijan Portal Dashboard (https://srijandefence.gov.in/DashboardForPublic), specially designed for this purpose. The defense industry is encouraged to actively participate by expressing their interest and submitting proposals.
This latest development underscores the Indian government’s commitment to promoting self-reliance in defense production and reducing import dependency. By encouraging indigenous production, the country aims to strengthen its defense capabilities while simultaneously boosting its economy.
