Clearing of defence deals shows intent of Modi Govt., says Uday Bhaskar

Defence analyst Commodore (retired) C. Uday Bhaskar on Sunday welcomed the recent clearing of defence deals worth Rs 80,000 crores by the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) and said that such a decision showed the strong intent of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

"The decision of the government and the DAC to clear deals worth almost Rs 80, 000 crores is a major decision. It is also a welcome decision, signalling the intent of the Modi government. If these decisions are implemented in a very earnest manner, my sense is that it would have a very positive impact on India's overall military capability as also the indigenous manufacturing capability in the country and thereby reduce the import dependence which has been a very serious challenge and constraint for India," Commodore (retired) Bhaskar told ANI.

"Various items have been identified, particularly the submarine building project as also the anti-tank missile, which is to be acquired from Israel," he added.

The security and strategic affairs expert also expressed his concern over the financial aspects of the deal and urged the government to ensure progressive financial support to the deal.

"The anxiety that I have is that the money that has been cleared at the level of the DAC has to be supported by sustained financial commitments. In other words, when the budget is presented next year, the finance ministry must ensure that for at least the next five years, there is financial support for the deal in a progressive way," he said.

"Each of the items to be acquired will also need sustained political and bureaucratic support. There needs to be an enabling environment, and an ecosystem that supports this effort," he added.

Commodore (retired) Bhaskar also spotted a challenge for the Indian manufacturers in the deal.

"Each of the items in deal will require Indian manufacturing to raise the bar - none of the technologies have been developed in India before. There I anticipate the greatest challenge," he said.

Earlier on Saturday, the government cleared defence projects amounting to Rs 80,000 crores. The projects were approved during the meeting of the DAC, which was chaired by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley.