The panel is an indicator of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s expanding areas of responsibility
NEW DELHI: Seeking to give a diplomatic push to the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector, the government has set up a high-powered panel to suggest focus areas and policy changes that would align India's significant global clout with its thrust for self-reliance. ET has learnt that a panel headed by Deputy National Security Advisor (DyNSA) has been set up by the government that includes representatives from the defence and foreign ministries and other stakeholders that will give specific recommendations on defence diplomacy.
The panel, which is to submit a report to the government by January 31, will identify means by which defence diplomacy can be a force multiplier for the 'Make in India' initiative and is an indicator of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's expanding areas of responsibility. Sources have told ET that the panel would focus on how highend technology can be obtained by India by leveraging its purchasing power as well as bilateral relations with weapon producing nations.
"The problem being faced is that due to commercial interests, high-end technology is not being shared with us through the routine process of procurement, despite efforts. This now requires a national effort," a senior official told ET. India's approach to defence diplomacy till now has been piecemeal at best.
One of the first efforts on using it as a tool for national efforts was when the defence ministry firmed up a paper in September 2014 on defence exports that suggested a combined military-diplomatic push. The 'Strategy for Defence Exports', issued by the defence ministry, called for financing of 'weaker nations' to buy Indian weapons thorough the Line of Credit facility and emphasised that 'the world over, defence exports are covered by the defence diplomacy between friendly countries'.
It also suggested that Indian embassies and missions abroad would be associated in making 'targeted efforts for promoting export of Indian defence products'. Being focused on exports, the paper was, however, silent on bringing in high technology to India with this joint effort.
Diplomatic push to defence 'Make in India': High-powered panel to suggest focus areas & policy changes - The Economic Times
