Roadmap for Answer Writing
- Introduction
- Briefly introduce the importance of defence exports for India in enhancing its global standing. Mention the record growth of defence exports in FY 2023-24 to set the context.
- Significance of Defence Exports for India (4-5 points, 100-120 words)
- Diplomatic Leverage and Strategic Partnerships: Explain how defence exports strengthen diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships with other nations (e.g., BrahMos delivery to the Philippines).
- Technological Dependencies: Mention how defence exports establish long-term dependencies (e.g., maintenance, repairs, and upgrades) that help forge deeper ties.
- Joint Operations and Military Interoperability: Describe how defence exports promote joint operations and military collaboration, with an example of Sri Lanka-India operations.
- Economic Impact: Highlight the contribution of defence exports to India’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.
- Steps Taken by the Government to Promote Defence Exports (4-5 points, 120-140 words)
- Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020: Explain the policy’s role in boosting domestic manufacturing and long-term export targets.
- Simplification of Export Procedures: Discuss the creation of the India Defence Mart portal to simplify export license applications.
- Financial Incentives: Mention the Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports (SPDE) that offers financial support for export activities.
- Whole-of-Government Approach: Detail how the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) uses diplomatic channels to support defence exports, such as the line of credit provided to Nigeria.
- Modernization of Defence Industry: Briefly explain the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) aimed at modernizing India’s defence industry.
- Conclusion (1-2 lines)
- Summarize the positive impact of defence exports on India’s global standing and the government’s proactive measures to enhance these exports.
Relevant Facts with Sources
- Record Growth of Defence Exports:
- India’s defence exports reached Rs. 21,083 crores in FY 2023-24, reflecting a 32.5% growth over the last fiscal year.
- BrahMos Delivery to the Philippines:
- India delivered the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, strengthening its relationship and diplomatic ties with the Southeast Asian nation.
- Strategic Partnerships and Joint Operations:
- Defence operations with Sri Lanka, including the provision of defence equipment, enhance military interoperability and strengthen regional security.
- India Defence Mart Portal:
- The India Defence Mart portal allows companies to apply for export licenses and track applications, simplifying the export process.
- Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports (SPDE):
- The scheme is designed to promote exports of defence products through financial incentives and other measures.
- MEA’s Line of Credit to Nigeria:
- The Ministry of External Affairs provided a line of credit to Nigeria, enabling it to acquire military equipment from Indian manufacturers.
- Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS):
- The Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) supports the modernization of India’s defence industry, fostering investment in research, development, and manufacturing.
Model Answer
Significance of Defence Exports for India
India’s defence exports have reached a record Rs. 21,083 crores in the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, marking a 32.5% growth over the previous year. This growth has a multi-faceted impact on India’s global standing:
Steps Taken by the Government to Promote Defence Exports
The Indian government has taken several significant measures to boost defence exports:
Through these steps, India is strengthening its position as a global defence exporter, enhancing both its strategic influence and economic stability.