Engineers should evince interest in defence research, says NITI Aayog member

India's journey towards self-reliance in defence has been a long and arduous one, marked by strategic imperatives and economic aspirations. The recent statement by NITI Aayog member Dr. V.K. Saraswat, urging engineers to actively engage in defence research and highlighting the Centre's increased allocation for the sector, underscores a critical pivot in this national endeavour. This move is not merely an appeal but a strategic push towards bolstering India's defence capabilities and ensuring global competitiveness, aligning perfectly with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision. Historically, India has been one of the world's largest importers of defence equipment. This reliance on foreign suppliers has often created vulnerabilities, particularly during geopolitical tensions, and has led to significant capital outflow. Recognising this, successive governments have emphasized defence indigenization. Initiatives like 'Make in India' in defence, launched in 2014, aimed to transform India into a manufacturing hub, including for strategic sectors. The Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020 further solidified this commitment, setting an ambitious target of achieving a turnover of Rs 1,75,000 Crore (USD 25 Bn) in defence manufacturing, including an export target of Rs 35,000 Crore (USD 5 Bn) by 2025. This policy framework, coupled with the negative import list for various defence items, signals a clear intent to foster domestic production. Dr. Saraswat's statement comes in this context, highlighting the government's significant financial commitment to the defence sector. Increased allocation serves as a necessary catalyst, but sustained innovation requires a robust human resource base. This is where the call for engineers becomes crucial. India possesses a vast pool of engineering talent, and integrating this talent into defence research and development (R&D) is vital for developing cutting-edge technologies domestically. The objective is clear: to move beyond assembly and licensed production to indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. Key stakeholders in this ecosystem include the NITI Aayog, acting as a premier policy 'think tank' that advocates for strategic shifts and provides recommendations for economic growth and national security. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), through its various departments and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), is the primary implementing agency. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is at the forefront of R&D, working on critical technologies. Beyond government entities, the private sector, including startups, MSMEs, and large corporations, is expected to play an increasingly significant role, encouraged by policies like the Strategic Partnership Model and the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme. Academic institutions and individual engineers are the bedrock of the talent pool, whose engagement is paramount for fostering innovation. This push for defence indigenization has profound implications for India. Strategically, it enhances national security by reducing dependence on external powers, ensuring a steady supply chain, and allowing for greater flexibility in foreign policy. Economically, it promises job creation, skill development, and a boost to the manufacturing sector, contributing to the nation's GDP. It also fosters a culture of innovation and R&D, leading to spin-off technologies with civilian applications. Socially, it instils national pride and creates opportunities for a highly skilled workforce within the country. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, with its focus on 'Buy Indian – IDDM' (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) and 'Make' categories, explicitly prioritises domestic procurement and R&D. Looking ahead, the future implications are multi-faceted. A successful indigenization drive would transform India into a significant defence exporter, bolstering its geopolitical influence. It would also lead to a more resilient defence industrial complex, capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats. However, challenges remain, including ensuring adequate funding, streamlining bureaucratic processes, fostering a robust R&D culture, attracting and retaining top engineering talent, and creating a level playing field for private players. The success hinges on effective collaboration between government, industry, academia, and the armed forces. While no direct constitutional article specifically mandates defence indigenization, the spirit aligns with Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 39, aiming at distribution of material resources for common good, and Article 51, promoting international peace and security, which a strong and self-reliant defence sector can contribute to. Furthermore, the broader policy framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat is a testament to the nation's commitment to self-reliance across all critical sectors.