Defence Technology Ecosystem for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

This report is an outcome of a study conducted by the Vivekananda International Foundation to find out the causes of shortfall in performance and work out recommendations for further reforms in the defence sector. This study was conducted in four components, including four thematic roundtables chaired by prominent personalities like the former Defence Secretary, former Secretary Defence (R&D), former Secretary (DST) and the Vice Chancellor of DIAT; several subject-specific seminars; study of Defence Technology Ecosystems (DTEs) of important countries and review of previous Indian studies. Several thought leaders, including former ambassadors, Vice/Deputy Chiefs of Services, Corps Commanders, Secretary/3-Star/2-Star/equivalent rank officials of defence and security establishments, finance experts, scientists and industry veterans participated in discussions. Many in-service Directors General and Directors of DRDO, besides Deans, Heads of the Departments, faculty members, industry leaders, industry associations and other officials promoting research and entrepreneurship also participated.

This study has identified several areas for reform based on publicly available data and records. The outcomes have been grouped under ten themes and presented in this report. The salient points are: India must establish a Military Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister; the country should have a national vision for the defence sector; concerted efforts are required to integrate expertise, infrastructure facilities and capacities of civil and military sectors; current financial regulations/GFR needs review to promote high-end research and enhance the risk-taking ability of researchers, organisations and companies; revision in policy framework to support industry, startups and academia; higher fund allocation for defence R&D; need of supportive QA and Certification Regime; defence exports being a national priority, private industry should be fully supported; enhance international collaborations for the joint development of new products and capability enhancement projects without perpetual dependence on foreign partners; need of a National Defence Strategy Think Tank in the country to continuously track worldwide developments in the defence and technology sectors and their repercussions on India’s preparedness.

It is the considered opinion of the VIF that for the country to achieve Atmanirbharata in defence, it is essential to look at reforming the larger defence ecosystem as suggested in this report. The substance of the present recommendations is to transform current DTE into an efficient, productive and internationally competitive ecosystem. The VIF sincerely hopes that the government will take note of these recommendations for holistic improvements in the DTE of the country.