Nothing concrete has been done to implement the strategic partnership model unveiled last year to boost indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment, a Parliamentary Panel on preparedness of armed forces has said. The move would be a step towards making the country self-reliant by reducing defence exports.

The report pointed out that 60 per cent defence equipment is imported. "Dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly for defence hardware, not only results in huge expenditure," the report said.

Prepared by the Committee on Estimates, the Ministry of Defence tabled the report in Parliament on Wednesday. It also says, "but makes the security of the country vulnerable as during an emergency, the supplier may not provide us the required weapons or spare parts."

The strategic partnership policy is expected to be a game changer aimed at enhancing military capabilities by facilitating domestic manufacturers to partner with foreign firms to give a boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' mantra.

The committee, in its report, observed that the draft Defence Production Policy aims at making India one of the world's top five defence producers by 2025 with self-reliance in 13 areas covering a range of weapons and systems.The committee also emphasised the need for allocation of adequate financial resources for defence preparedness and expansion plans.

Report

A report prepared by Committee on Estimates says, “but makes the security of the country vulnerable as during an emergency, the supplier may not provide us required weapons or spare parts.”