🛡️ India Begins Critical Review of Defence Procurement Policy to Speed Up Weapon Acquisitions
🇮🇳 India Initiates Overhaul of Defence Procurement Policy to Boost Efficiency and Self-Reliance
In a major move aimed at reforming India's slow and complex defence procurement system, the government has launched a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This review is being seen as a long-overdue effort to streamline acquisition processes, reduce delays, and increase private sector participation in the defense ecosystem.
The initiative aligns closely with the central goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), especially in the design, development, and manufacturing of modern weapon systems.
🛠️ Objective – Cut Red Tape, Accelerate Weapon Delivery
India’s defence procurement procedures have long been criticized for being time-consuming and inefficient, often causing delays in acquiring urgently needed systems and platforms for the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Thursday that the review is officially underway. A high-level committee led by Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), has been tasked with spearheading this crucial reform.
The committee includes senior defence officials, representatives from private industry, and academic institutions, ensuring a multi-sectoral approach to overhaul the existing framework.
👥 Key Players – Government, Industry, and Experts Join Forces
The panel has also onboarded former health and I&B secretary Apurva Chandra—a former DG (Acquisition) at the MoD—as principal advisor. His experience is expected to add strategic depth and perspective to the committee's work.
The MoD has already opened a channel for public and industry suggestions on how the process can be improved, inviting inputs by July 5, 2025.
Officials have stated that the scope of feedback includes:
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Simplifying procedural bottlenecks
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Accelerating timelines for acquiring and inducting systems
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Enhancing private sector and startup involvement
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Encouraging Make in India components in high-tech defence
🏭 Aligning with Self-Reliance & Military Modernization Goals
This review of DAP 2020 comes at a time when India is aggressively pursuing military modernization, amidst a challenging regional security environment.
By reducing bureaucratic delays, India hopes to:
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Acquire critical technologies faster
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Decrease reliance on foreign vendors
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Promote indigenous innovation
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Strengthen private defence manufacturing ecosystem
This directly supports the vision of self-reliant national security through domestically-built platforms and systems like drones, tanks, fighter jets, radars, and missiles.
🧩 Why the Defence Procurement Review Matters
The DAP 2020, while a step in the right direction, still faces criticism for being procedurally rigid and risk-averse. A major goal of the new committee is to introduce flexibility without compromising transparency.
The outcome of this review could:
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Fast-track key defence deals pending for years
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Encourage more startups and MSMEs to enter defence production
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Reduce dependence on global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
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Lead to better value for money in government contracts
📝 What’s Next? Timeline and Expectations
The panel has already begun consultations with stakeholders and is expected to submit a set of recommendations later in 2025.
If implemented effectively, the revised DAP could radically transform India’s defence procurement system, ensuring that the armed forces are battle-ready with minimal delays and enhanced indigenous capability.
📌 Conclusion: A Timely Move for a Stronger, Smarter India
India's decision to review and upgrade its defence procurement processes is a proactive step towards building a modern, efficient, and self-reliant military. As global threats evolve, this move could prove critical in ensuring that India is not only secure but also a major exporter of defence technology in the future.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is AI-generated for informational and SEO purposes. All facts are sourced from public news reports. For official updates, refer to announcements from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
