New defence procurement policy unveiled

The new policy lays the road map on how India, the world's largest arms importer, will acquire equipment in the future

After a delay of about a year, the much-awaited Defence Procurement Policy (DPP)-2016 was unveiled by the government on Monday with an aim to ensure transparency, fast-track acquisition and give a push to the 'Make in India' initiative.

DPP-2016, launched by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, however, did not contain a key chapter on the proposed strategic partnership. Parrikar said it will take another 2-3 months to finalise this.

To be applicable from April, DPP lays the road map on how India, the world's largest arms importer, will acquire equipment in the future.

The announcement was made at the inaugural ceremony of Defence Expo (Defexpo) 2016, the largest ever of its type to be hosted by India, at Quepem town, about 50 km from Panaji.

Parrikar said a review of DPP will be undertaken after six months.

"I do not say that the document is foolproof. Let us take a review after six months. Nothing is perfect but we are taking it to perfection," Parrikar said.

With the new DPP, it will be ensured that there is greater transparency and faster clearances, he said.

The DPP has been loaded online on the Defence Ministry's website and would be made available in hard copy format after 15 days.

Parrikar said certain concerns of foreign companies which were expressed in the past, would be addressed through this policy in the next three to four months.

Parrikar also admitted that the pace of negotiation with France for 36 Rafale jets was "not enough" but hoped it will be concluded "very soon", nearly a year after a government-to-government deal for the multi-medium role combat aircraft was announced.