Rajnath Singh: Defence Ministry to introduce import embargo on 101 items

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a clarion call for a self-reliant India. It is based on the 5 pillars Economy, Infrastructure, System, Demography & Demand. He also announced a special economic package for Self-Reliant India named ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’. Now Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced that India embargoes 101 defense items. This is to boost Atmanirbhar Abhiyan promoted by PM Modi.

The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative. MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond given timeline to boost indigenisation of defence production.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020

Here is all he tweeted:

In a series of Tweets, the Defence Minister said, “The MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond a given timeline to boost the indigenization of defense production. The list is prepared by MoD after consultations with all stakeholders, the Armed Forces, public & private industry. It is to capabilities of the Indian industry for manufacturing various ammunition & equipment within India.”

The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024.

The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024. Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020

The minister further added that the list of 101 embargoed items comprises of simple parts and also high technology weapon systems like artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems. Also, transport aircraft, LCHs, radars and many other items to fulfill the needs of the Defence Services.

He said that the list includes wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) with indicative import embargo date of December 2021, of which the Army is expected to contract almost 200 at an approximate cost of over Rs 5,000 crore.

He added that items worth almost Rs 1,30,000 crore are anticipated for the Army and the Air Force. Items worth Rs 1,40,000 crore are anticipated by the Navy over the same period. It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years. He added that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for the production of equipment as per the Negative Import List are met.

Also Read: Talks with Pakistan only on Pakistan occupied Kashmir: Rajnath Singh