The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, has approved the fourth “Positive Indigenisation List” (PIL) comprising 928 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)/Sub-systems/Spares and Components, including high-end materials and spares, with an import substitution value of INR 715 crore. The primary aim of this initiative is to promote ‘Atmanirbharta’ and reduce imports by the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). The Ministry of Defence has stated that the items listed in the PIL will only be procured from the Indian Industry after the timelines indicated in the list.
The fourth PIL is a continuation of the previous three PILs published in December 2021, March 2022, and August 2022. The first three PILs involved LRUs/Sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-assemblies/Spares and Components, including 2,500 imported items that have already been indigenized and 1,238 high-value imported items that will be indigenized within the given timelines. Out of the 1,238 items, 310 items have already been indigenized.
The DPSUs will undertake the indigenization of these items through different routes under the ‘Make’ category and in-house development through the capabilities of MSMEs and private Indian industry. This will provide a boost to the growth of the economy, enhance investment in defense, and reduce the import dependence of DPSUs. The design capabilities of the domestic defense industry will also be augmented by involving academia and research institutions, according to the statement released by the Ministry of Defence.
The DPSUs will soon initiate procurement action for the notified items. The industry may look for Expression of Interest (EoIs)/Request for Proposal (RFPs) on the Srijan Portal Dashboard, which has been specially designed for this purpose and may come forward to participate in large numbers. The details of the items have been made available on SRIJAN Portal (srijandefence.gov.in), as per the statement. This initiative is expected to promote self-reliance in the defense sector and contribute to the overall growth of the country.