Arms Import Ban

Context: Defence Ministry’s ban on the import of 101 defence items is a step to decrease the bill catering to the armed forces’ wishlist.

Arguments against the Defence Import Ban Policy

• Unclear and incomprehensive ban list: 
• Inclusion of domestically procured products: Many of the products included in the list are already procured domestically For E.g. Astra missile developed indigenously.
• Kept the import open: Much viable Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) products are not listed, thereby keeping a route for imports open.

• Imported helicopter-borne dunking sonars and heavyweight torpedoes are not embargoed, despite DRDO having MIHIR and Vurunastra to service those needs.
• LCA-MK1A is on the ban list while Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will have to continue importing its engines.

• Sub-standard Production Hampering Military Capabilities:

• Defence products are now going to be purchased either in delayed time or the armed forces will be forced to accept sub-standard products.
• Defence Public Sector Units have had a poor record in meeting delivery schedules and in quality control.
• Low government Spending: of just 2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reduced demand for defence products domestically, making the import ban a futile exercise.

Arguments for Import Ban

• To decrease import bill: India being the largest importer of arms has an advantage by decreasing the reliance on imports.

• International Support: India has often garnered from the biggest suppliers of weapon platforms to India — mainly the US, Russia and France, permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Way Forward

• Defence industrial base should be a subset of a larger national manufacturing base.
• Increase defence R&D expenditure and emerge as a defence manufacturing powerhouse like South Korea.

• Establish a dedicated military officer cadre and university courses on how to make such purchases efficiently.

• The private sector needs to be involved and be given a level playing field in defence manufacturing.
• India’s software industry should be engaged in assisting with future defence systems.