Latest self-reliance push: India imposes phased import ban on 928 defence items

In its latest push for self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector, India has announced a new list of 928 military items, including line replacement units, sub-systems, and spares, that will be subject to a phased import ban between December 2023 and December 2029, officials familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

It includes items used in fighter planes, trainer planes, warships, and various types of ammunition. This is the fourth ‘positive indigenization list’ of “strategically important” components used by defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs) that have been subjected to an import ban in the last two years.The defense ministry previously published lists in December 2021, March 2022, and August 2022.

The items on the new list have an import substitution value of 715 crore, according to a statement from the defence ministry.

“To promote ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence and minimise imports by the DPSUs, the defence ministry has approved the 4th positive indigenisation lists of 928 strategically important LRUs/sub-systems/spares and components, including high-end materials and spares, with an import substitution value worth ₹715 crore,” the statement said.

These items will only be obtained from Indian industry after the deadlines have passed, according to officials. The most recent list aims to promote local production of Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar fighter jet parts, Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) planes, magazine fire-fighting systems on board warships, and gas turbine generators.