India is the world’s largest buyer of weapons, accounting
for 14 per cent of global arms imports.
Over the next seven years, India is likely to spend more
than $130bn (£80bn) importing arms to upgrade its arsenal with more modern
weapon systems.
India has passed a bulk of defense projects worth $13
billion in a bid to boost the country’s national defense preparedness, the
Indian Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) said. The biggest ticket item is the
construction of six new submarine, to be undertaken by domestic shipbuilders
based on foreign designs. The program is expected to span over a decade and
cost about $8 billion. The DAC also cleared the procurement of Israeli Spike MR
missiles and launchers under a $525 million plan to field more than 8000
missiles replacing the current Milan in the Army service. Another important
acquisition will be the procurement of 12 upgraded Dornier DO-228 surveillance
aircraft with for the coast guard, for about $300 million. Those aircraft will
carry improved sensors for maritime surveillance. Additionally, the Army will
receive 362 infantry fighting vehicle from the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) as
well as new lorries , both produced by domestic manufacturers from the private
sector.
Modi now also seeks to end India’s arms-importer tag and
turn the country into a weapons manufacturer, but also a major arms dealer.
“We dream of making India strong enough to export defence
equipment to the world,” Modi said in August after christening India’s largest
home-built warship.
With more than six hundred million Indians without access to
toilets and are forced to use open spaces to defecate SOYMB can suggest a
different priority for government spending.
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