India defence exports over Rs.1,800 crore since 2011

India has exported defence equipments worth over Rs.1,812.17 crore in last four years, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh Friday told parliament.

Highest exports - worth Rs.686.27 crore - was in last financial year (2013-14), while this year, till September, equipment worth Rs.166.67 crore have been exported, he told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The figures include exports by public sector undertakings, the ordnance board and private industries that have no objection certificates.

In 2011-12, the exports were worth Rs. 512.48 crore and in 2012-13, it was worth Rs. 446.75 crore.A

The minister said the government is taking steps to promote domestic production.

"In the Union Budget 2014-15, government has announced a technology development fund with an initial sum of Rs.100 crore to provide necessary resources to public and private sector companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as academic and scientific institutions to support research and development of defence systems that enhance cutting edge technology capability in the country," he said.

In another reply, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said some of the defence systems designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) may be exported to "friendly countries".

"DRDO is not involved in the export of defence equipment. However, some of the DRDO's developed products, systems, like radars, electronic warfare systems, missiles, etc. can be exported to our friendly countries," he said.