The new list of 101 defence-related items whose import would be banned to push 'Make in India' in the military hardware sector is expected to give a big push to the localisation of all types of ammunition used by the defence forces to enhance self-reliance.

The list, known as the 'positive list of indigenisation', is expected to be issued by the Department of Military Affairs headed by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat by the end of this month and discussions are being held with the indigenous defence industry players mainly involving the private sector.

“Ammunition is a very critical part of our armed forces and this is the reason why there is one extra emphasises on localising of all types of important ammunition used by the defence forces,” top government sources told India Today.

Discussions are going on with the private sector industry in the defence sector to give a time frame in which they can develop and produce all types of ammunition used by the three services, the sources said.

The Make in India push of ammunition production will help the country avoid overpayment during times of crisis and also ensure that the fighting abilities of the personnel are not affected due to lack of it.

The CDS had issued the first negative list of 101 items last year to promote the defence industry in the country and ban the import of these items from foreign countries.

Industry leaders are also suggesting timeframes in which the domestic industry would be ready to supply the larger integrated platforms for the defence forces, sources said.

The task of preparing the negative arms import list has been assigned to the Department of Military Affairs under the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat. Before the first list was announced by the government, the Prime Minister was also briefed by the Defence Ministry on the steps being taken by it for strengthening the domestic public sector and private sector industry.

Every year, the Indian forces spend over Rs 2 lakh crore for acquiring defence hardware of different types under both capital and revenue heads. The government wants the country to have its own private defence industry, which can produce large-scale platforms and provide jobs within the country.