- The Defence Ministry has imposed phased ban on the import of 928 military items to promote self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector.
- The ministry announced the fourth positive indigenous list on 14 May in continuation of the first three such lists, which included a total of 1,238 items.
- The first three lists were announced in December 2021, March 2022 and August 2022.
- The 928 military equipment in the fourth list includes line replacement units, subsystems and spare parts. The ban on their import will be implemented in a phased manner between December 2023 and December 2029.
- The Defense Ministry statement said that banning the import of these equipment would save Rs 715 crore. Now these equipments will be procured from the Indian industry.
- Out of 1238 equipment included in the first three lists, 310 have started being produced in India. This equipment is used in fighter aircraft, training aircraft, warships and various types of ammunition.
- The ministry said that 928 equipment included in the fourth list will be manufactured in India through various channels under make category and in-house development.
Qns : What is the purpose of the phased ban on the import of military items imposed by the Defence Ministry?
(A) To increase the budget allocation for the defence sector
(B) To reduce the number of military items imported from foreign countries
(C) To promote self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector
(D) To enhance the quality of the military items manufactured in India
Answer : (C) To promote self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector
