The Indian Ministry of Defence has announced its sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), a strategic move to bolster the nation's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. This latest list includes 405 items deemed strategically important, with an estimated business potential of Rs 3,070 crore for Indian industry.
The newly notified list comprises 16 items for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and 389 items for Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). These items span a wide array of defence platforms and systems, including Line Replaceable Units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components, and raw materials.
Key Defence Platforms and Systems Targeted
- Air Platforms: Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft, and AL-31FP Engines.
- Armoured Platforms: T-72, T-90, and BMP-II Warships.
- Missile Systems: Konkurs-M, Invar, and MRSAM.
- Defence Electronics: Radars, sonars, fire control systems, and satellite communication systems.
- Critical Equipment: High Explosive Anti-Tank ammunition and other essential defence components.
Upon successful indigenous development, these items will be exclusively procured from Indian manufacturers. DPSUs and the ICG are tasked with undertaking indigenisation through various routes, including their 'Make' procedure and in-house development, actively involving the industry, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Boosting Self-Reliance and Economic Opportunities
This initiative is a significant step towards achieving greater self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in the defence sector. It is expected to generate new opportunities for Indian defence companies, MSMEs, and startups, while simultaneously encouraging investment, research, and innovation within the country.
By increasing domestic production of defence equipment, the government aims to reduce India’s reliance on imports and foster a robust indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. Companies like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which supply critical electronic systems, aircraft components, and missile systems respectively, are expected to be key beneficiaries and contributors to this drive.
The Role of the SRIJAN Portal
As part of this broader strategy, the Department of Defence Production (DDP) launched the SRIJAN Defence Portal in August 2020. This platform facilitates DPSUs and Service Headquarters in identifying defence equipment and systems suitable for domestic development and manufacturing, opening avenues for private-sector companies, MSMEs, and startups.
Since its inception, the SRIJAN portal has offered over 33,000 defence items for indigenisation through June 2026, including 5,012 items from the first five Positive Indigenisation Lists. The indigenisation drive has already yielded substantial results, with more than 15,700 defence items successfully indigenised, leading to an estimated import substitution value of approximately Rs 9,000 crore over the past five years.
Domestic companies have also benefited from increased procurement opportunities, with DPSUs placing orders worth around Rs 10,000 crore with domestic vendors through March 2026. The government's continued emphasis on indigenisation aims to expand India's defence industrial base, encourage private-sector participation, and build long-term capabilities across the entire domestic defence supply chain.