FIREPOWER MADE IN INDIA

Fully engaged in the defence of our tense borders with Pakistan and China, the ministry has to revisit the Agnipath issue and further expand the ongoing indigenisation of military platforms

- PRADIP R. SAGAR

The challenges facing the government in the defence sector require careful strategic planning, followed by decisive action. In its election manifesto, the BJP promised to expand India's defence footprint across strategic locations and partner with friendly countries to protect its security interests in the Indian Ocean Region. On defence manufacturing, it has promised to continue support for start-ups, so that indigenisation can be accelerated. The other emphasis is to increase exports of Made in India defence equipment. In the 2023-24 financial year, defence exports reached a record high of Rs 21,083 crore (around $2.63 billion). The government has set up a target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025. Continuing robust vigilance along the tense Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is an imperative too, along with manag