NEW DELHI: In an attempt to get away from the tag of world’s largest arms exporter, India’s defence industry is gearing up to find a good market for export, as PM Narendra Modi led government has planned to export weapon systems worth over $2 billion (two billion dollars by the end of 2019. If it happens, it will be one of the biggest push to local defence industry as part ‘Make in India’, which is exporting nearly Rs. 2000 Crores this year.
Talking to media in an event in the national capital, defence minister also said that at least 16 to 17 countries have evinced interest in Indian systems like Brahmos, Akash and Astra missiles part from howitzer guns.
Manohar Parrikar added that India was keen to sell weapons systems to friendly countries and Vietnam, UAE and Mauritius figured in this list. Moreover, the ministry was pushing private and public sector defence undertakings to promote products like bridge laying machines.
“An independent export promotion body will help the Indian industry to achieve the target of two billion dollars by 2019.The government will initially hold the export panel’s hand and later it will be self-sustaining body,” Parrikar said.
Maintaining that export never got priority in the past, he said the present regime was determined to give a fillip to promote ‘Make in India’ products through exports and managed to touch the Rs 2,060 crore mark for the current fiscal year from Rs 1,100 crore two years back.
Parrikar also said that at least 17 countries are in discussion with Indian shipyards to acquire warship from India including Vietnam, Bangladesh and UAE.
"We are exporting warships to many countries like a private shipward is giving to Vietnam. Several other countries like Bangladesh and UAE are among 16-17 nations are in discussions with India for supply of warship." Manohar Parrikar.
Countries like Vietnam had already shown interest in buying the indigenously designed and manufactured Brahmos supersonic missile capable of hitting a target at 290km. Asked if the deal was in the offing, Parrikar refrained from giving a direct reply and said “Vietnam is a friendly country.” He added that India was training Vietnam pilots for SU-30 fighter jet flying and helping that country in capacity building. Replying to another question if India was considering supplying arms to Afghanistan, Parrikar said if is a sensitive issue but added “Afghanistan is a friend.”
Meanwhile, on setting up another production line for single engine fighter jets, Parrikar said a decision will be taken once the Strategic Partnership clause for producing weapons is finalized in the next few months. This partnership entails selecting a foreign equipment manufacturer who will forge a joint venture with an Indian company to build strategic systems like fighter jets and warships.