India’s defence sector is thriving, with immense development in recent days. This is happening based on the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Local and global players are showing interest in manufacturing defence equipment in India in response to his “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” call. India currently manufactures almost every product, from aircraft to bulletproof vests.
Talking specifically about the Indian Navy, it got its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, commissioned last year. India has become the world’s sixth country capable of producing aircraft carriers, and is also looking to expand its submarine fleet. To that aspiration, the recent reports are proving commendable.
Also read: Project 75: Russia’s make in India push
Germany bids for submarine manufacturing
The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, is on an official visit to India. Reportedly, Germany seems to be offering a submarine deal with India worth $5.2 billion. The deal would call for jointly manufacturing six conventional submarines.
A Western military manufacturing power is currently undertaking a naval project aimed at reducing New Delhi’s reliance on Russia for military equipment. India is looking to modernise its ageing submarine fleet, with 11 of its 16 conventional submarines dating back more than two decades, while also countering China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean.
It is worth noting that the deal is parallel to the Russian offer to manufacture six conventional submarines based on the Amur-1650. The offer comes at a time when India is looking for collaborators for its most-awaited submarine projects, P-75 and P-75I.
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The agreement stipulates that in order to manufacture submarines in India, a foreign submarine manufacturer must collaborate with an Indian company. Additionally, the foreign firm is required to transfer a specialised technology for fuel-cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which has been a point of contention for many foreign companies.
As per reports, Reuters sources said that the country has asked Germany for an assurance of joint manufacturing for the submarines, not just supply-side support. Another official from the foreign ministry said that Scholz was determined to re-energize trade and defence ties with India.
Also read: Indian aerospace gets wings of steel
A boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Interestingly, after years of being one of the world’s biggest arms importers, the Indian government is now focused on boosting domestic weapon manufacturing in collaboration with foreign partners. The government aims to decrease India’s dependency on imports and establish itself as a self-reliant and globally competitive defence industry.
To accomplish this goal, the government is encouraging foreign companies to collaborate with Indian firms and invest in the country’s defense sector. The government has also introduced policies such as the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which provide financial incentives to companies that manufacture products within India.
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