As part of achieving greater self-sufficiency in the defence manufacturing sector, imports of 351 items of equipment have been restricted recently. Earlier, 209 items of arms and equipment required for the defense forces were removed from the import list. The arms imports have been slashed again with the aim of increasing the supply of arms, ammunition and other equipment to the troops from the country's best-performing defence manufacturers. It is imperative that India, the world's second-largest arms importer, become increasingly self-sufficient in this field. Over the past five years, arms imports have fallen by thirty-six percent. As a result, the benefit to the defence manufacturing companies in the country is over Rs 70,000 crore. It should be considered a great achievement to be able to produce such a large amount of weapons in these institutions. It is true that when arms imports fall, our allies, who regularly supply them, will naturally have some annoyances. But as long as the right to look after the interests of one's own country is not subordinated to anyone, the displeasure of the major powers involved in arms exports need not be given much importance.

We have been able to make commendable achievements in the development and production of defence equipment. Much progress has been made in the field of rockets, missiles, and numerous products for the Army. The various needs of the Navy and Air Force have eliminated the need for over-reliance on foreign countries. India now has the capability to design and build its own aircraft carriers and submarines.

Self-sufficiency in defence production is not limited to weapons production. It is also a platform for young talent and technologists to showcase their talents. The potential for new jobs is also high. Under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' scheme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the import of a large number of ammunition is being phased out. Imports of 209 items were previously restricted. In addition, 351 new items have been added to the import restrictions list. It is proposed that over the next three years, these be produced entirely at the defence plants here. This would save about Rs 3,000 crore in foreign currency every year. When the listed materials are purchased from companies in the country, there will be a lot of new jobs. Import curbs will be implemented in stages so that the displeasure of the countries that currently supply them can be avoided.

The country will not be able to cut defence spending in the face of ever-conflicting borders. At the same time, self-sufficiency in weapons and other military equipment can significantly reduce the cost of imports. Laser sensors, high pressure valves, beacon receivers, cables, sockets, and voltage control oscillators can all be manufactured here. Many industries here will benefit by avoiding these imports. This is not a difficult task for a country that has the capability to build even intercontinental ballistic missiles. To this day, the barriers to self-sufficiency in the field are the massive fraud and embezzlement in the production and import of defence equipment.