This refers to the editorial, “Boosting defence sector” (January 14). New Delhi has always struggled with competing policies when it comes to buying arms. The latest defence policy reforms have highlighted New Delhi’s acceptance of a policy of gradual change with regards to indigenously manufacturing weapons for our military.
The best thing about the new clauses of the proposed Defence Procurement Policy is a recognition that Indian industry has minimal capacity for the precision machinery required for genuine indigenisation. The Government must initiate this process and it must be built up over time, especially within the private sector.