Cutting down on imports a big challenge

Editorial

IT’s intriguing that India continues to be the world’s biggest arms importer despite the Modi government’s consistent emphasis on self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and indigenous production in the defence sector. In his address at the ongoing Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the evolving global security scenario demanded innovative approaches and stronger partnerships. But is greater strategic collaboration helping India become a global powerhouse of defence research, development and innovation? Or is it making the country more dependent on foreign manufacturers? These questions need to be addressed with an open mind by the Centre as well as the top brass of the defence forces.

The government’s resolve to cut down on arms imports and boost exports is being put to the test by US President Donald Trump. He is insistent that India should buy more US-made security equipment. Trump, who is set to host Prime Minister Modi, wants a ‘fair’ trading relationship with New Delhi. And he has made no bones about his zealousness to introduce new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports into the US, a move that could hit many Indian companies. India, which is keen on co-production of Stryker combat vehicles and fighter jet engines, needs to ensure that such deals are not skewed in favour of the US.

Russia’s preoccupation with the Ukraine war has prompted India to rely less on its traditional defence partner and focus more on acquisitions from Western nations in a bid to diversify supplies. Transfer of technology is a prerequisite for bolstering domestic production in the long run, but some Western firms have shown reluctance on this count. The Defence Minister has asserted that India does not believe in transactional relationships or imposing solutions. However, the same cannot be said with confidence about the country’s top partners. New Delhi must judiciously prioritise its strategic interests, striking a balance between indigenous capacity-building and its ‘Make for the world’ aspirations.