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Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the
6th edition of the Land and Naval defence exhibition
(DefExpo 2010) here, he said that India will do
whatever it takes to strengthen its armed forces
so that they can act as an “effective deterrent”.
The security situation indeed demands rapid modernisation
of armed forces.
“India must achieve a high level of indigenisation
in defence. Our quest for self-reliance in defence
underlines the importance of private sector participation
on the one hand and in revitalising the public
sector, on the other.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Antony also
said that India’s defence expenditure, which is
2.5 percent of its GDP, is going to increase in
proportion with the overall growth of the economy.
 “The
Indian economy is expected to grow at 8 to 10
percent for the next two decades. Expenditure
on defence in absolute terms is bound to increase
in equal proportion.”
It may be noted that according to a study by
the India Strategic defence magazine, due to be
published in March, India will be spending in
excess of US$ 200 billion by 2022 to replace its
obsolete Sovietvintage weapons with modern systems.
“Our government is conscious of that (delay in
procurement process). As compared to our neighbours,
our acquisition is slow. Our situation is different...
we are a democracy. So for national security whatever
is possible we will do.... But we are buying it
from exchequer’s money so we should spend it judiciously.
So while we want to speed up the procurement we
can not compromise on transparency,” Mr Antony
said.
“I assure you that when we come out with Defence
Procurement Policy 2010, one of the thrust area
is to reduce delay in defence procurement also.
Instead of depending too much on foreign supply,
we would see if it is possible to produce it indigenously.”
A new policy on defence production is also in
the offing. ”We will give thrust to indigenisation.
More equipment will be brought under ‘make Indian
category’,” the minister said.
He said that the government was encouraging the
private sector and results were already there
to see. “We want public and private sector to
work in close cooperation as friendly partners.
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