New Delhi – India has significantly expanded its defence indigenisation efforts by adding 405 strategically important items to its sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL). This initiative, driven by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence, is projected to create business opportunities worth approximately Rs 3,070 crore for the nation's domestic industry.
Expanding Domestic Defence Production
The newly notified list encompasses a broad spectrum of defence equipment, ranging from raw materials and components to complex sub-systems, spares, and complete platforms. Notable inclusions are critical parts for advanced systems such as the Su-30MKI fighter jet, Advanced Light Helicopters, Light Utility Helicopters, and Light Combat Aircraft, alongside their AL-31FP engines. Armoured platforms like the T-72, T-90, and BMP-II, as well as various warships and missile systems including Konkurs-M, Invar, and MRSAM, are also part of this ambitious push.
Of the 405 items, 16 are designated for the Indian Coast Guard, while 389 are for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). The detailed list, which includes indicative timelines for indigenisation, is accessible on the SRIJAN Defence Portal.
A Boost for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
This latest expansion underscores the government's commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, aiming to drastically reduce dependence on defence imports. The Ministry of Defence stated that once successfully developed within India, these items will be exclusively procured from domestic manufacturers.
DPSUs and the Indian Coast Guard are tasked with pursuing indigenisation through various channels, including the government's 'Make' procedure and in-house development. Private industry, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), are encouraged to actively participate in this national endeavour.
SRIJAN Portal's Role in Indigenisation
The SRIJAN Defence Portal, launched in August 2020, plays a crucial role in facilitating this process. It serves as a platform for DPSUs and Service Headquarters to offer defence items to Indian industry, including MSMEs and start-ups, for indigenous development and production.
Since its inception, the portal has facilitated the offering of more than 33,000 defence items for indigenisation. Over 15,700 defence items have already been successfully indigenised through these efforts, leading to an estimated import substitution of approximately Rs 9,000 crore over the past five years. Furthermore, DPSUs have placed procurement orders worth about Rs 10,000 crore with domestic vendors through March 2026, reinforcing the financial commitment to homegrown defence capabilities.