New Delhi, June 19 (KNN) Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have an important role in India's defence sector and its growth ambitions. Investment in the defence sector is expected to cross INR 25000 crore in 7-8 years. Under the 30 per cent offset policy for procurement of defence equipment in excess of INR 300 crores, this provides a significant opportunity for MSMEs to become part of the defence ecosystem.
 
The Government of India’s Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) 2013, outlines the scope for ‘greater involvement’ of Indian industry in the defence sector. The DPP outlines the order of priorities as ‘Buy’ (Indian), followed by ‘Buy and Make’ (Indian), ‘Make’ (Indian), ‘Buy and Make’ (with Transfer of Technology) and ‘Buy’ (Global). Despite such directional provisions in the current policy framework, Indian MSMEs continue to face a range of challenges, some of which will are listed here.
 
Apex body for country’s MSME Sector, FISME, has been highlighting the concerns of the sector through brainstorming meetings, defence expos and seminars.
Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium enterprises (FISME) recently organised a seminar on ‘Opportunities for MSMEs in the Defence Sector’ in the national capital.
The seminar gave a platform to the country’s small and medium enterprises to interact directly with the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NITI Aayog Member Dr V K Saraswat, defence experts and leading OEMs.
FISME President, Dr Sangam Kurade, pointed out the aspirations that MSMEs have with regards to Defence sector and raised concerns that the sector has with regards to the Defence procurement. (KNN Bureau)