On Tuesday, India announced a phased ban on the import of 405 defence items. This list includes essential components and spare parts for various military equipment such as fighter jets, helicopters, warships, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, and missile systems. The decision aims to enhance domestic production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
“This sixth list marks another step in the government’s efforts to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is expected to further expand opportunities for the Indian industry, strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, promote investment and innovation, and contribute to reducing dependence on imports,” it added. These items are part of the government’s sixth positive indigenisation list, which the defence ministry said is expected to create a domestic business opportunity worth ₹ 3,070 crore. “Each item has an indicative timeline (December 2026 to December 2029) for indigenisation. India’s arms imports fell 4% between 2016-20 and 2021-25, but the country remains the world’s second largest importer of military hardware, accounting for 8.2% of global weapon imports, according to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report published in March. The government aims to achieve defence manufacturing worth ₹ 3 lakh crore by 2029-30. It has also set a target of achieving ₹ 50,000 crore in defence exports during the same period. Under the 405 items, 16 pertain to the Indian Coast Guard, while 389 are associated with defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs).
“The items cover a broad range of defence platforms and systems, including air platforms such as Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP Engine; armoured platforms including T-72, T-90 and BMP-II; warships; and missile systems such as Konkurs-M, Invar and MRSAM (medium-range surface-to-air missiles),” it said. Upon successful indigenous development, these items will be procured from the Indian industry,” the defence ministry said. Earlier reporting noted: After their successful indigenous development, these items will be procured from Indian industry, the Ministry of Defence said. Earlier reporting noted: According to the Ministry, the list includes line replaceable units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials.
Earlier reporting noted: The sixth indigenisation list is part of the government’s broader push under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to expand opportunities for Indian industry, promote investment and innovation, strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, and reduce import dependence.
