Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

Chennai, April 12

Within a week of the new tender from India to get 110 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured foreign companies that they would “not spend a decade on it”.The obvious reference has come as the foreign industry is skeptical that the tender is a re-run of the scrapped tender to buy 126 fighter jets. It was started in 2004 and scrapped in 2015 after years of trials, discussions and cost negotiations.Speaking at the ‘def-expo-2018’, the Prime Minister mentioned the long-drawn process of fighter jets and took a dig at the previous UPA government saying “issues which should have been long addressed are being resolved now”.“We have not only taken bold action to meet immediate requirement (purchased 36 Rafale jets) we have started a new process for 110 jets, he said, adding, “We will not spend 10 years without any tangible outcome.”Taking another dig at the UPA, he said the ‘policy paralysis’ that had set in the defence sector is a thing of the past. “It shall not happen again.” He cited how the issue of bulletproof jackets to soldiers was kept hanging for years.Addressing concerns of the industry, he said, “Our goal is not merely to tinker but to transform. We want to move fast, but with no shortcuts. I am aware we need to do a lot more; we are committed to doing so. Our dream is to develop an eco system.”The PM said the government would undertake extensive consultation with all stakeholders with Indian and foreign companies for the defence production policy (a draft has been released and 100 suggestions have come) and also the defence procurement policy. “Our aim is not just to discuss but to draw right lessons. Our intention is to listen and not merely lecture,” Modi added.It is strategically imperative “to make in India, Make for India and supply from India”.He suggested the setting up of a defence industrial complex which would have room for public sector undertakings, Indian and foreign firms. “I understand it’s not that simple. Many pieces of this puzzle need to fit together”.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the ‘def-expo’ showcased the best of equipment and military ammunition by leading producers.She said, “Not only are we going to buy from various manufacturers. Fifty per cent of this expo today has Indian manufacturers.” On the defence production corridor, Sitharaman said, “We hope to go with great speed to have these activated and performing so that India realised the dream of being a manufacturing hub.”“We have allowed great flexibility for foreign companies and more policies are being relaxed,” she said.The programme was telecast live to 35 Indian embassies in Nepal, Bhutan, Nigeria and Afghanistan, among others.Modi launched the innovation of defence excellence (IDEX), a new scheme that looks to work with start-ups doing technology.