Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hints at new positive indigenisation list

Bengaluru, Feb 13 (KNN) More weapons and systems are likely to come under import ban to give a new push to self-reliance in the defence sector, said Union minister of Defence Rajnath Singh on Sunday.

This indication was given on the eve of the five-day Aero India-2023, which has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. 

With the latest ‘positive indigenisation list’ set to come on the back of four similar lists that have barred the import of 411 military items during the last 30 months.

“I cannot rule out the possibility of a new positive indigenisation list (coming out soon), given India’s focus on self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector,” said the minister.

Speaking about the air show, he said the exhibition promises to be a big draw with the presence of more than 800 defence firms, 98 foreign countries, 32 defence ministers, air chiefs of 29 air forces and 73 CEOs representing foreign and Indian original equipment manufacturers.

It expected to witness the signing of 251 memoranda of understanding worth more than Rs 75,000 crore, defence ministry officials said.  (KNN Bureau)