India has to be able to make at least 80% of its defence requirements in house in order to be called an independent global power. We have reached only 40%. That doesn't make us a power; it just makes us dependent on everyone else.
US also imports from its allies but it has enough critical technologies to survive on its own in the event of a political break-up between major NATO members and USA.
If that is to happen with us, we will be running pillar to post to even operate our equipment. At least the 60% that remains.
Let's not be jingoistic about this.
India currently imports:
1- Some raw materials like special grade defence metals.
2- Spares
3- Major maintenance services of defence equipment on prime suppliers.
These three are the most important things in the life-cycle of a product.
IMRH is supposed to be a work horse. Which means we need to be 100% self reliant at least in terms of the above three points.
If we want to do what we are supposed to be targetin i.e. influencer status, there are things which we will have to make ourselves and show that we are reliable as suppliers as well in the long run.
