India Notifies Sixth Positive Indigenisation List of 405 Defence Items

India has taken a further step to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing base by notifying the sixth Positive Indigenisation List. The Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence has placed a phased ban on the import of 405 strategically important items. This decision is expected to create a domestic business opportunity valued at approximately ₹3,070 crore and forms part of the broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers while expanding opportunities for Indian industry.

India has pursued a two-pronged approach to indigenisation through import bans. The first targets complete platforms—such as fighter jets, warships, helicopters and artillery guns (File photo/AFP) | Hindustan Times

Scope of the New List

The 405 items include line replaceable units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials. Of these, 389 relate to defence public sector undertakings and 16 are associated with the Indian Coast Guard. The items support a wide range of platforms currently in service or under development. These encompass air platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft and the AL-31FP engine; armoured platforms including the T-72, T-90 and BMP-II; various warships; and missile systems such as Konkurs-M, Invar and the medium-range surface-to-air missile. Defence electronics, including radars, sonars, fire-control systems and satellite communication equipment, as well as high-explosive anti-tank ammunition, also form part of the list.

Each item has been assigned an indicative timeline for indigenisation, generally falling between December 2026 and December 2029. Once successfully developed within the country, these items will be procured from Indian industry. Defence public sector undertakings and the Coast Guard will pursue development through established routes, including the ‘Make’ procedure and in-house efforts, with significant participation expected from the domestic private sector, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises. The full details have been made available on the SRIJAN Defence Portal.

Progress Under Earlier Lists

This notification builds on five previous positive indigenisation lists that together covered 5,012 items in the same category of components and sub-systems. Across the wider indigenisation programme, more than 15,700 defence items have already been successfully developed in India. These efforts have generated an estimated import substitution value of about ₹9,000 crore over the past five years. Defence public sector undertakings have also placed procurement orders, including in-house production, worth approximately ₹10,000 crore on domestic vendors up to March 2026.

India has followed a dual approach to indigenisation. One track places complete major platforms under import restrictions, while the second focuses on the critical components, spares and sub-systems required for the long-term operation and maintenance of existing and future fleets. The latest list belongs to the second category and is intended to strengthen supply-chain resilience for platforms already in use.

Broader Policy Context and Targets

The move aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. Complementary measures in recent years have included dedicated budgetary allocations for indigenous procurement, an increase in the foreign direct investment limit in defence manufacturing, and steps to improve the overall business environment. The government has set targets of achieving defence production worth ₹3 lakh crore and defence exports of ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30. While India continues to rank among the world’s larger importers of military equipment, the gradual expansion of domestic capabilities is aimed at reducing this dependence over time.

The MGMM Outlook 

The notification of the sixth Positive Indigenisation List marks another significant step towards strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. By placing 405 critical components, sub-systems, spares and raw materials under phased import restrictions, the initiative is expected to create a ₹3,070 crore opportunity for Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs. With items supporting platforms such as the Su-30MKI, LCA, ALH, T-90, warships, missiles, radars and communication systems, the move focuses not only on reducing imports but also on building a more resilient domestic defence supply chain.

The latest list builds on the wider indigenisation drive, under which more than 15,700 defence items have reportedly been developed domestically, contributing to substantial import substitution. With clear timelines extending up to 2029 and greater participation expected from Indian industry, the initiative can encourage investment, technological development and long-term manufacturing capabilities. As India works towards its defence production and export targets for 2029-30, sustained progress in producing critical components within the country can further strengthen self-reliance and ensure greater security of supply for the armed forces.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Times of India)