In an exclusive interview with India TV, former Navy Chief Admiral (Retd.) Karambir Singh laid out a comprehensive roadmap for India to transform into a global arms export powerhouse. He emphasized that while India has made significant strides in defense production, several critical areas require urgent attention to achieve self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Boosting Research and Development
Admiral Singh stressed the importance of increased investment in research and development (R&D) to foster indigenous innovation. He noted that India currently spends less than 1% of its defense budget on R&D, far behind global leaders like the United States and China. "We need to allocate at least 2-3% of the defense budget to R&D," he said, adding that this would enable the development of cutting-edge technologies and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
Streamlining Procurement Processes
The former Navy chief highlighted the need for a streamlined procurement process to ensure faster acquisition of defense equipment. He pointed out that bureaucratic delays often hinder the timely delivery of critical systems. "A single-window clearance mechanism and simplified procedures can significantly accelerate the procurement cycle," he suggested.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
Admiral Singh advocated for stronger collaboration between the public sector and private industry. He cited examples of successful partnerships in countries like Israel and South Korea, where private companies play a pivotal role in defense exports. "The private sector brings agility, innovation, and cost-efficiency," he noted, urging the government to create a conducive policy environment for private players.
Enhancing Testing and Certification Infrastructure
To meet global standards, India must upgrade its testing and certification facilities. Admiral Singh emphasized that international buyers require rigorous quality assurance, and India must invest in world-class testing labs. "Without robust certification, our products will struggle to compete in the global market," he warned.
Focus on Niche Technologies
He recommended focusing on niche areas such as cybersecurity, drone technology, and naval systems, where India has inherent strengths. "We should leverage our expertise in software and IT to develop advanced defense solutions," he added.
Building Strategic Partnerships
Finally, Admiral Singh called for forging strategic partnerships with friendly nations to co-develop and co-produce defense equipment. He noted that such collaborations can open new markets and enhance technology transfer. "Bilateral agreements with countries like the US, France, and Israel can accelerate our export ambitions," he concluded.
India currently exports defense equipment to over 75 countries, but its share in the global arms market remains below 1%. With the government's target of achieving $5 billion in defense exports by 2025, the insights from Admiral Singh provide a timely blueprint for policymakers.
