Indian Defence Industry / MIC

The Armed Forces of India

Currently, India is surely among the top ten world powers in their military capabilities. The Indian armed forces are inferior armies of the United States, Russia and China, but still very strong and numerous. In another way, in a country with a population of about 1.3 billion people and could not be. The level of military spending in 2014, India was on the 7th place in the world - $ 50 billion (data Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). In the armed forces of India is more than 1.3 million people (3 in the world). Speaking of the armed forces of India, it is worth remembering that India is the world's largest importer of arms (as of 2012), as well as the possession of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery.

In addition to direct the armed forces, in India there are various paramilitary groups, which serves about 1.1 million people: the national security forces, border guards, special, special paramilitary forces. As of 2015, India's population of 1 billion 276 million people (2nd in the world's population, after China). At the same time mobilizing the resources of the country are estimated at least 270 million people, of which 160 million are eligible for military service.

The Indian armed forces are for the defense of the Republic, protection of the freedom and independence of the country, it is one of the most important instruments of political power. The personnel of the Indian armed forces has a high level of moral and psychological combat training and has been serving on a contract basis, compulsory recruitment into military service in India is missing. For India, because of the huge population and a complex ethnic and religious situation of the armed forces staffing at the call just is not possible.



Speaking of the armed forces of India, it should be noted that they are relatively young. The armed forces of the independent Republic of India, have appeared only in 1947. At the same time they were formed on the basis of troops who moved to the country when it was divided into two British Dominion - Indian Union and Pakistan. In the armed forces of India came to the part of personnel, Hindus and other religions except Islam and the Pakistani army troops have included Muslims. The official date of the formation of the national armed forces in India is considered to be August 15, 1949.

The peculiarity of the Indian armed forces is very close cooperation with the Russian military-industrial complex. On the Indian army is a huge amount of military equipment and weapons systems of production of the Soviet Union and Russia. For example, the world's largest fleet of T-90 tanks has not Russia, namely India. At the same time, both countries are actively cooperating in the military-technical sphere, carrying out joint development of a variety of weapons. Currently, India is a major importer of Russian weapons, while at the same time, the country is quite working closely with Britain, France and most recently with the United States.

Currently, the Russian-Indian cooperation is the exclusive nature. It is not that India for decades in Russia buys weapons. New Delhi and Moscow are working together on the creation of modern weapons systems, and quite unique, such as a missile "Brahmos", or fighter of the 5th generation - FGFA. Has no analogues in the world and surrender to lease a nuclear submarine (Russia gave India rent submarine "Nerpa" for 10 years), similar to the experience in this area was in the Soviet Union in the 1980s with the same India.


At the same time, India has its own military-industrial complex, which is able to produce weapons and equipment of all classes, including nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. However, this is more in theory as created in India armaments tend to have lower performance characteristics compared with foreign counterparts, and their development is decades. The most obvious example in this regard - it is an Indian tank "Arjun", the development of which lasted about 37 years. Not the most reliable and are collected in the country of foreign licenses models of equipment. For example, experts note that the high accident rate in the Indian Air Force may be associated with this factor. However, despite all of the above, India has everything to already in the XXI century to become one of the world's superpowers.

Indian Army

Indian Army are the largest component of the country's armed forces, they have served at least 1.1 million people (there are 990,000 reservists). In a part of the Army Training Command have (headquarters in Shimla), as well as six regional commands - Central, North, West, South-West, South and East. In the direct supervision of Army Staff of India is the 50th Airborne Brigade, two regiments of PU IRBM "Agni", one regiment PU OTP "Prithvi-1" and four regiments, armed cruise missile "Brahmos".

Indian Army are composed of 12 headquarters of the army corps, 36 divisions (18 infantry, 3 armored, division 4 rapid deployment, 10th Mountain Infantry and one Artillery). In addition, as part of ST, there are 15 separate brigades (armored 5, 7 infantry, two mountain-infantry and one airborne) and 12 air defense brigades, 3 engineering team and 22 army aviation helicopter squadron.


Currently, India has a fairly impressive tank fleet, which is mostly equipped with modern machines. The army delivered 124 tanks of its own design, "Arjun", is scheduled to deliver another 124, while work is under way on a modernized version of "Arjun-2." Also in 1250 the army has modern Russian MBT T-90 is planned to produce another 750 licenses for these tanks. Also available up to 2400 MBT Soviet T-72M, which have been or are being modernized. In addition, the storage of up to 1100 is the old tanks "vijayanta 'own production (the British" Vickers "Mk1), and up to 700 Soviet T-55 tanks.

In contrast to tanks with the rest of weaponry, everything is much worse. Basically the park is another Indian armor obsolete. The country has about 100 BRDM-2, about 1,200 BMP-2 and up to 300 different APC. Currently, the park upgraded BMP-2. In 2006, 123 cars were transformed into a version of the BMP-2K, armored vehicles are collected under the Russian license in India, and the Indian Defense Ministry plans to buy another 149 BMP-2K.

It is outdated and most of the Indian artillery. The army has 100 ACS 'Catapult' own design - 130 mm Howitzer M-46 tank chassis "vijayanta", and about 80 of these machines is in storage. There is also a 110 Soviet 122mm self-propelled guns 2S1 "carnation" and the English 80 105 mm self-propelled guns, "Abbot." Interestingly, in September 2015, India conducted a tender for procurement of 155-mm self-propelled guns, which won a victory in the South Korean artillery system K9 Thunder, bypassed Russia ACS "MSTA-S". This South Korean SAU definitely enjoyed success on the international market, it also has been selected as the primary and in the armed forces of Turkey. Manufacturing K9 Thunder self-propelled guns will be deployed in India, it is reported that the armed forces will buy at least 500 of these self-propelled guns.


In addition, the arms are about 4300 of towed guns of various calibers, more than 3 million in storage and order 7000 mortars. Modern samples of them as almost none. At the same time in 2010, India is trying to acquire the US 145 light 155 mm howitzers M-777, the deal has been discussed for 5 years, but it seems that in May 2015 the case moved from the dead point and howitzers will be delivered to the country.

Similar in the availability of new types of situation and MLRS. In India, there are about 150 Soviet BM-21 "Grad" (122 mm), 80 MLRS proprietary "Pinax" (214 mm) and 62 Russian systems "Smerch" (300 mm). The "Pinax" and "Twister" can be attributed to modern multiple rocket launchers.

Also armed with ground forces is about 250 anti-tank systems "Cornet" Russian-made 13 self-propelled anti-tank systems "Namik" (Indian ATGM "Naked" on the chassis of the BMP-2), in addition to this there are several thousands of Soviet and Russian ATGM "Baby", "Fagot" , "Competition", "Storm", the French anti-tank systems "Milan".


The basis of the army air defense constitute a Soviet / Russian air defense missile systems "Strela-10" (250), Wasp (80), "Tunguska" (184), "Shilka" (75), as well as Indian SAM short range "Akash" (300). On arms of Army Aviation has about 300 helicopters, mostly of Indian origin.

Indian Air Force

By the number of aircraft the Indian Air Force is in fourth place in the world after the US, Russia and China. In the Air Force has about 1,800 aircraft of all types, including about 900 combat vehicles. The Indian Air Force are serving about 150 thousand people. Organizational they are an integral part of the combined of the armed forces - air force and air defense (AD). Air Force has 38 staffs aircraft wings and 47 squadrons of combat aircraft, the country has an extensive network of airfields.


The headquarters of the Indian Air Force consists of the following departments: operational planning, intelligence, training, electronic warfare, weather, finance and communications. Also staff are subject to 5 Air Command and one training (headquarters in Bangalore), which directs and Air Force units in the field: Central (Allahabad), West (New Delhi), East (Shillong), Southern (Trivandrum) and Southwest (Gandhinagar).

A major problem of the Indian Air Force for many years is a high accident rate. Since the beginning of the 1970s to the early 2000s, the Indian Air Force every year lost an average of 23 aircraft and helicopters. At the same time the highest number of flight accidents falls on the Soviet MiG-21, which were produced in India, and has long formed the backbone of its fleet. The Indian Air Force, these aircraft have earned a reputation as "flying coffins" and "vdovodelov." From 1971 to April 2012 in India of fighter crashed 482 (more than half of the 872 MiG-21, which were obtained by India). At the same time in the ranks remains no less than 150 of these vehicles, 120 of which are planned to operate at least until 2019.

In general, make up the basis of the Indian Air Force planes and helicopters of Soviet / Russian origin. Strike aircraft was presented by the Soviet MiG-27 (113 cars), most of them are planned to be written off in 2015, and about 120 British fighter-bombers "Jaguar". All of these aircraft were built under license in India today are outdated.


Much better is the case with fighter aircraft. The air force has about 220 advanced Russian Su-30MKI, the total number will be increased to 272. According to the number of ranks in the Su-30 Indian Air Force bypass the Russian Air Force. Also available in service 62 MiG-29, all of them were upgraded to versions of the MiG-29UPG (53) and MiG-29UB-UPG. In addition, there are 50 French fighters "Mirage 2000" and another 11 such training machines. It is planned to upgrade them to the level of "Mirage 2000-5", which will extend the period of operation for another 20 years. In addition, the Indian Air Force begins to receive light multipurpose fighter of the fourth generation of its own design - HAL Tejas, built in 2014. 14 fighters, including prototypes. Total for the Indian Air Force plans to build about 200 such aircraft, which should replace the MiG-21 and MiG-27.

Has India and AWACS aircraft, there are three Russian A-50EI and three aircraft DRDO AEW & CS joint Indo-Brazilian development. It also has three US aircraft electronic intelligence "Gulfstream-4", six Russian air tankers Il-78 will be delivered another 6 European Airbus A330 MRTT.

As there are 17 transport aircraft Il-76MD, 105 An-32, part of the aircraft from 2009 modernized in Ukraine, and the rest will be upgraded directly in India. At the same time, India is planning to replace all Soviet Il-76MD, which operated for more than 28 years, the latest American transports the C-17 Globemaster III. In 2010, a contract was signed for the purchase of 10 aircraft, with a possible option to purchase another 6 cars. The first aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in January 2013.


The Air Force is about 30 combat helicopters, including 24 Russian Mi-35 helicopter of own production 4 "Rudra" and 2 LCH. In addition, about 360 operated multipurpose and transport helicopters, among them a large number of Soviet Mi-8 and Mi-17 Russian Mi-17V5 and the Mi-26.

Indian Navy

Indian Navy include navy, naval aviation and special purpose units. Currently, the fleet is about 58 thousand people, including about 1200 in the Marines and about 5,000 in naval aviation. In service is more than 180 ships and 200 aircraft. For deployment of warships of the Indian Navy used three main naval base - Kadamba (near Goa), Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam. At the same IUD it includes in its membership three Command - West (Bombay), South (Cochin) and Eastern (Vishakhapatnam).

As part of India's submarine fleet is one SSBN 'Arihant' own development with 12 SLBM K-15 (range 700 km), proposed to build three submarines of this type. This launch range missiles rather modest. Also, leasing is a Russian nuclear submarine "Nerpa" Project 971, which received the Indian name "Chakra". In addition, in a system is 9 Russian diesel submarines of Project 877 "Halibut" and 4 German submarine project 209/1500. Also under construction 3 modern French submarines "Skorpen" all plans to build six such submarines.


Currently, as part of the Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers - "Viraat" (former English "Hermes") and "Vikramaditya" (formerly Soviet "Admiral Gorshkov"). Besides being the construction of two aircraft carriers of its own "Vikrant". In arsenal of naval aviation in India has 63 carrier-based fighter - 45 MiG-29K (including eight combat-capable MiG-29KUB) and 18 "Harrier". MiG-29K is designed to arm the aircraft carrier "Vikramaditya" (Fleet Air Arm - 14-16 MiG-29K and four MiG-29KUB, 10 helicopters), and construction of aircraft carriers of the "Vikrant", "Harriers" used to "Viraat".

ASW aircraft represented the old Soviet IL-38 - 5 aircraft Tu-142M - 7 aircraft (one for storage) and three modern American P-8I (all 12 were ordered). In addition, the Indian naval aviation has 12 Russian helicopter Ka-31 AEW, 41 anti-submarine helicopter, including 18 Soviet Ka-28 and Ka-25, 5, and 18 British "Sea King" Mk42V.


Surface naval forces quite unsuited. There are 9 destroyers, 5 such as "Rajput" (Soviet project 61), 3 of their own such as "Delhi" and one of the "Calcutta" (will be built 2-3 destroyers of this type). Also in the line is 6 modern Russian-built frigates of the "Talwar" (Project 11356), and 3 more modern self-built type "Shivalik". The navy has a new corvette "Kamorta" (to be built from 4 to 12 units), 4 corvettes of the "bark" type 4 "Hukri" type 4 "Abhay" (Soviet project 1241P). It is worth noting that all of destroyers, frigates and corvettes (except "Abhay") of the Indian armed fleet of modern Russian and Russian-Indian cruise missiles, sea-based anti-ship missiles and "Caliber", "BrahMos», X-35.

Nuclear power in India

In the structure of the armed forces of India to manage existing nuclear forces it has created a special structure - NCA (Nuclear Command Authority), Administration of the nuclear command. However, this management body, not only military but also political and military. This command to deal with nuclear planning in the interests of defense, and is responsible for making and implementing decisions on the use of nuclear weapons to repel foreign aggression led command is the prime minister of the country.

Bodies of military operational and technical management, directly subordinate to the chairman of the NCA and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the armed forces of India, is the SFC - Strategic Forces Command, Strategic Forces Command, which was established in 2003. This command is responsible for the coordination of nuclear components Army and Air Force of the country, represent parts of the ground forces, equipped with ballistic missiles and ground-based aviation squadron, military aircraft carrying nuclear bombs. In the foreseeable future SFC will take over the control and created the naval strategic nuclear forces of India.


Most of the nuclear missile potential is concentrated in the Indian Army, which has two regiments of 8 PU medium-range ballistic missile "Agni". In total, presumably in India has 80-100 missile "Agni-1" (700-900 km), 20-25 missile "Agni-2" (2000-3000 km) and a number of extended-range ballistic missiles such as "Agni- 3 "(3500-5000 km). Also in a single regiment tactical missile "Prithvi-1" (150 km) with 12 PU for these missiles. All of these missiles could carry both conventional warheads, and nuclear. The carriers of nuclear weapons in the Indian Air Force may be a Russian Su-30MKI and the French "Mirage 2000".

Experts estimate that today India has a limited stock of nuclear weapons, combat ready - about 30-35 charges. In the country there is a certain amount of ready-made components for the assembly of the new charges. It is believed that in case of need rather quickly India can still make 50-90 nuclear warheads.

India may transfer some Migs to Srilanka

After transferring Mi-25 Attack Gunships to Afghanistan on request of Afghan President recently, India is deliberating if a Srilankan request to provide fighter jets for their air force can be taken up after India forced Srilanka to reconsider their decision on making the purchase of Sino-Pakistan developed JF-17 fighter jets.

Well, informed Sources in air force have informed that instead of offering Homegrown LCA-Tejas to Srilanka, IAF may transfer some of Upgraded Mig-27 along with Spares to Srilankan Air force at FOC ( Free of Cost).

Srilankan Air force already operates Mig-27 purchased from Ukraine and Russia in past and HAL/IAF have helped train Pilots/Aircrew while Srilankan Military was on offensive against LTTE, Mig-27s along with Kfir fighter jets played crucial roles in Bombing LTTE targets in the last phase of the Civil war.
Indian Air forces already have plans to retire older un-upgraded Mig-27s from its fleet this year on wards and also have plans to phase out upgraded Mig-27s by 2019 along with Mig-21s.


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Nag anti-tank missile hits bull’s eye with modified seeker



The indigenously-built third generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile, Nag, scored a “bull’s eye” and successfully hit the target 4 km away during a night trial in the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, last week.

During the test, the Thermal Target System (TTS) developed by a defence laboratory at Jodhpur was used as target for the missile, which is in the final user configuration. TTS simulated a target similar to an operational tank as thermal mapping from tank to TTS was carried out for generating thermal signature.

According to scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the trial validated the enhanced 4-km range capability of Imaging-Infrared seeker, which guides the missile to the target after its launch. The scientists said multi-purpose mission exercises were carried out for improving the system. With the modified seeker achieving requisite range capability, the scientists said the Nag missile was now ready for final, pre-induction user trials.

Director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory, (DRDL) K. Jayaraman said the final user trials would be conducted in different conditions in summer and winter this year. Using HEAT (High explosive anti-tank) warhead, the top-attack all-weather fire-and-forget system is capable of destroying modern tanks with armoured protection by nullifying their ERA (explosive reactive armour).

MaRV Primer @Austin

http://www.slideshare.net/ramana_56/bgrv-and-indian-missiles-arun-vishwakarma-rev-1-c-9600008

India's Effort to Boost Homemade Weaponry Hits Roadblock

NEW DELHI — India's efforts to cut imports and boost homemade weaponry and equipment has hit a major roadblock, as the domestic, private defense industry is sharply divided over a not-yet-implemented policy that seeks to identify a select few private sector defense companies to be named Strategic Partners (SP), who could then be nominated to big ticket defense projects.

The nomination process is run by the Ministry of Defense (MoD). If the policy is adopted, it will change the way weaponry is acquired in the country.

The controversial policy had been recommended by a select panel nominated by the MoD, under the chairmanship of former Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) chief Vasudev Aatre.

Now, the private defense industry is divided over the selection criteria and the need for such a policy. An MoD source said the policy's consideration could be postponed, given the fierce opposition from various sections of the domestic industry.

"The very fact that the Aatre report, which seeks to detail criteria for selection of SPs, has been made public (April 19) — after the formulation of the Defence Procurement Policy DPP-2016, end March 2016 — suggests that the selection of SPs has been delayed," said Nitin Mehta, a defense analyst in India.

A senior executive with the Indian lobbying agency ASSOCHAM, or the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, strongly opposes the policy move on creating select few SPs.

"A valid interpretation of SPs is that it will give the MoD an official process to outsource its defense procurement in key sectors, to select large private sector groups via a sophisticated nomination process," the executive said. "If this interpretation is valid then it is a cause of concern."

Another executive with a domestic defense company said the policy on SPs will lead to the creation of "tiers" among domestic defense companies, relegating the small and medium enterprises to only outsource at the mercy of the selected SPs. The selection criteria of few SPs from the private defense sector is likely to remain controversial, the executive added.

Amit Cowshish, MoD's former financial adviser, said: "I am not quite convinced about the need for preselection of strategic partners (SPs) by MoD for Buy and Make cases, which is what the Committee of Experts has recommended. While much will depend on the fine print of the scheme, which is yet to be notified, [prima facie], it is not going to be easy for MoD to implement it unless strong costing and audit mechanisms are created. The process of selection itself may get mired in controversies."

Aatre Recommendations

The Aatre Task Force in its April 19 report divided the defense industry into two categories and recommended that preselected SPs by the MoD should be entitled to only one project in the first category and up to two projects in the second category.

The first category includes aircraft; helicopters; aero engines; submarines; warships; guns, including artillery guns; and armored vehicles, including tanks. It's been suggested that only one partner should be finalized for these.

The second category includes metallic material and alloys; nonmetallic material, including composites and polymers; and ammunition, including smart ammunition, for which the Task Force said two partners can be identified.

"The big companies are very enthusiastic about it but I believe they also have reservations about the idea that one strategic partner will be eligible for only one project. Alternative models for forging long-term relationships lasting the life cycle of a product do not seem to have been considered by MoD," Cowshish said.

The small and medium enterprises numbering over 6,000 are opposed to the concept of SPs, as they fear "the big SPs may not leave enough for them on the tray," according to Mehta.

Anil Jai Singh, a retired Indian Navy commodore and defense analyst, said: "They (small and medium enterprises) feel that they will go out of business as the big guys will not offload enough work to them and that they will forever remain tier 1 and tier 2 companies and will never get the opportunity to grow into a prime contractor status."

However, he said, "consolidation has been successful to a large extent — for example, nuclear submarine construction is divided between two shipyards in the US. There are similar models in Europe, too, but that template cannot be applied in our scenario."

A, MoD official admitted it is not easy to implement the strategic partners policy because though there are several positives, the policy can distort the market dynamics and competition could get nipped in the bud.

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/industry/2016/04/28/india-policy-weapons-strategic-partners-domestic-defense/83650076/

India's very own GPS is ready with seventh navigation satellite launch ( will become fully operational in a month ) : http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/irnss-launch-indias-own-regional-navigation-satellite-system-takes-shape/article8531388.ece


The present area covered by the 7 sats

India in talks with African countries for exporting Light Combat Helicopter

India is in talks with "certain" countries in Africa for possible export of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter even as the Defence Ministry has set a target of $2 billion worth of exports over the next two years.

The weapons trial of the LCH is planned in July-August this year. While the Army has placed an order for 114 LCH with state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the IAF has ordered 65.

The successful demonstration of the LCH in firing 70 mm rockets was conducted during the Iron Fist exercise of the IAF held recently.

The certification trials with integration of mission sensors such as electro optical system, helmet pointing system and weapon system like air to air missiles, turret gun and rockets are planned between July and August this year.


"We are in talks with certain countries in Africa who have evinced interest in the LCH. With great value for money, the helicopter is an attractive buy for many countries," a senior defence official said.

Asked why the countries would be interested in a chopper which is yet to get final certification, the official said, "The certification is a formal process. The countries interested in the LCH in the current form do not need high features like air to air missiles. For them turret gun along with some other features work."

LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL.

Its features include sleek and narrow fuselage, tri-cycle crash worthy landing gear, crash worthy and self-sealing fuel tanks, armour protection, nuclear and low visibility features which makes the LCH lethal, agile and survivable.

Designed for anti-tank and anti-infantry roles with a maximum speed of 275 kilometers per hour, the LCH is also capable of high-altitude warfare since its operational ceiling will be 16,000 to 18,000 feet.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had on Saturday said government is pushing for defence exports and plans to export Tejas fighter aircraft as well.


"I know it is not easy. Weapons and export of defence goods have double problems. One is whom you are exporting to and the second is one has to go on checking all international requirements," he had said.

Explaining that push for exports has started showing results, Parrikar said, "From a meager 140-150 million dollars, this year, I think we have crossed 330 odd million dollars. We have doubled the export. I have set a target for myself. In the next two years, why not touch $2 billion. It is not an impossible target."

100% FDI: Govt bites reform bullet, opens up defence, civil aviation and pharma

With the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India, the government on Monday made changes to the FDI policy at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to a release by the government, this is the second major reform after the last radical changes announced in November 2015.

Most of the sectors would be under automatic approval route, except a small negative list.

According to the government release, Monday’s amendments to the FDI Policy are meant to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing business in the country leading to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of investment, incomes and employment

Here’s a look at the changes:

Foreign Investment in Defence Sector up to 100 per cent

The present FDI regime permits 49 per cent FDI participation in the equity of a company under automatic route.

FDI above 49 per cent is permitted through government approval on case to case basis, wherever it is likely to result in access to modern and ‘state-of-art’ technology in the country. In this regard, the following changes have inter-alia been brought in the FDI policy on this sector:

* Foreign investment beyond 49 per cent has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to ‘state-of-art’ technology in the country has been done away with.

* FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under Arms Act 1959.


Pharmaceutical

The extant FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector provides for 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharma and FDI up to 100 per cent under government approval in brownfield pharma. With the objective of promoting the development of this sector, it has been decided to permit up to 74 per cent FDI under automatic route in brownfield pharmaceuticals and government approval route beyond 74 per cent will continue.

Civil Aviation Sector

The extant FDI policy on Airports permits 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in Greenfield Projects and 74 per cent FDI in Brownfield Projects under automatic route. FDI beyond 74 per cent for Brownfield Projects is under government route.

With a view to aid in modernization of the existing airports to establish a high standard and help ease the pressure on the existing airports, it has been decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport projects.

As per the present FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent is allowed under automatic route in Scheduled Air Transport Service/ Domestic Scheduled Passenger Airline and regional Air Transport Service.
It has now been decided to raise this limit to 100 per cent, with FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent through Government approval.

For NRIs, 100 per cent FDI will continue to be allowed under automatic route. However, foreign airlines would continue to be allowed to invest in capital of Indian companies operating scheduled and non-scheduled air-transport services up to the limit of 49 per cent of their paid up capital and subject to the laid down conditions in the existing policy.

http://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/govt-bites-fdi-bullet-opens-up-defence-civil-aviation-and-pharma/

The government’s decision to allow defence FDI up to 100% without the access to technology clause is expected to result in a surge of interest on part of the foreign vendors, analysts said.

Global players from Israel, Russia and European companies are expected to make a beeline to India for setting up their plants in India. “Russian Kalashnikov is known to be looking for Indian partners in our country for manufacturing in India,” said Surua Gangadharan, defence analyst.

However, the real test would be in the case of US companies. Japanese and South Korea firms would also like to come in through 100% FDI route.
Recently, while talking to Indian media in New Delhi, Jan Widerstrom, Saab India’s chairman, made it clear that the Swedish defence major is looking at more than 49% FDI in defence in the joint venture that will make Gripen in India.

Under the rules, a company can seek even 100% FDI if it brings in high-technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The government has been working on defining the “state-of-the-art” technology and facilitate the flow of FDI in the defence sector, as several global defence companies have expressed their intention of setting up their manufacturing base in India if the FDI cap is raised to 100%.

The announcement comes at a time when TATA Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) joint venture has been established to co-produce Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages and other aerostructures as well as to pursue integrated systems in aerospace. Interestingly, on Sunday, defence minister Manohar Parrikar in a tweet had termed this venture the largest defence FDI JV.

According to Puneet Kaura, MD and CEO, Samtel Avionics, “100% FDI in defence is the second good initiative in this quarter for the defence industry from government after announcement of Defence Procurement Policy. This shows the government’s commitment towards defence manufacturing within the country and creating more jobs for youth of the country”.

Welcoming the government’s decision, Dhiraj Mathur, partner — aerospace and defence, PwC India, “Defence is extremely technology driven and OEMs invest huge sums of money generating technology and IP. The fact that there was no control permitted earlier was a major issue that was quoted for not investing in India. That obstacle has now been removed and coupled with the major simplification in the DPP, OEMs should respond positively and proactively to these path breaking reforms.”

http://www.financialexpress.com/article/economy/why-global-defence-players-from-israel-russia-europe-set-to-make-beeline-for-india/291422/

This is a very welcome decision now foreign cos including Russian can open 100% owned subsidiary in india without having to share technology

New Delhi, June 20

The decision of the Narendra Modi government to bring in a minor change in the new FDI policy in defence could open it up for manufacturing and job creation, triggering immediate reaction from former Defence Minister AK Antony that the move could lead to Indian defence industry be controlled by NATO and American defence manufacturers.

Tucked in the slew of sectors being opened up by the Centre today, it said while 49 per cent FDI participation in defence would remain under automatic route, beyond the cap “in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded, the condition of access to ‘state-of-the-art’ technology in the country has been done away with.”

FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under the Arms Act, 1959, it was announced.


The government’s move comes in the wake of repeated statements by foreign manufacturers seeking greater control and being less than enthusiastic at 49 per cent cap. By doing away with “state-of-the-art” clause, should give the government greater leeway in determining what modern technology the country is getting. At present, the sector attracted slightly above Rs 1 crore as FDI in last two years.

For instance, there is an effort to speed up development of the long-delayed Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas”. The IAF has grudgingly accepted some 40 aircraft amid reports that talks are on with Swedish SAAB, which could gel with the programme since the next generation of LCA has to be qualitatively different. Recently, there were reports of Air Chief Arup Raha having test-flown one of the Swedish jets.

“What the government has done is to make it easy for it to process FDI rather that resting on state-of-the-art technology. It opens up possibility of manufacturing and job creation,” Amit Cowshis, former Financial Adviser (Acquistion) in the Defence Ministry told The Tribune. He also said the larger issue of creating better eco-systems still hung fire with labour laws and land acquisition as cases in point.

Meanwhile, Antony condemned the move and said it should be withdrawn in national interest. He said the move came immediately after PM Modi’s visit to the US.

“The move poses a big threat to national security and India’s independent foreign policy. Allowing 100 per cent FDI means India's defence sector is thrown mostly into the hands of NATO-American defence manufacturers. Naturally it will affect India’s independent foreign policy too. It will also threaten the national security,” he said.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/minor-change-opens-up-new-vistas-in-defence/254806.html

Mumbai: The government’s decision to liberalize the foreign direct investment rules for the defence sector could force Indian companies to re-look at their plans as it reduces the dependence of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on domestic manufacturers.

On Monday, India opened up the defence sector allowing foreign companies to own as much as 100% equity in the local defence sector through the government approval route in cases where it is likely to result in access to modern technology. The current foreign direct investment (FDI) regime permits foreign companies to own 49% in Indian units through the automatic approval route.

“Foreign investment beyond 49% has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to ‘state-of-art’ technology in the country has been done away with,” the statement said. The FDI limit for the defence sector has also been made applicable to manufacturing of small arms and ammunitions covered under Arms Act 1959, it added.

The new rules could mean that Indian companies that were rushing to tie up with OEMs in expectation of future business may find that their partners choose to enter the market on their own.

Under the previous rules, foreign OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) were required to form joint ventures with domestic firms if they wanted to establish a manufacturing base in India. With the amendment, an OEM can independently plan and implement operations in India.

This would save the time spent on lengthy negotiations with Indian companies, said Kabir Bogra, associate partner at consulting firm Khaitan & Co.

The new guidelines could also mean greater competition for domestic firms.

“The 2016 iteration of the Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) has defined an Indian company to include within its scope wholly owned subsidiaries. With the amendment, foreign OEMs and manufacturers can compete in the Indian defence procurement space similar to Indian companies,” Bogra said.

Anuj Prasad, partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., has a different view. Prasad says that OEMs are aware that they need to tie up with Indian companies and the latest FDI relaxations will ensure a level playing field.

Tata Motors Ltd, which is well entrenched in the defence sector, shared that view.

“A 100% FDI in defence will create a win-win situation for the country’s defence forces, local industries and international OEMs. It will ensure availability of cutting edge technologies for the defence forces, boost local manufacturing in India and provide assured returns for international OEMs. The move will also enhance overall R&D to develop and deploy solutions catering specifically to the country’s security needs,” the company’s spokesperson said in a statement.

Surjit Haridas, deputy director general, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), noted that Indian firms may not take too much of a hit from the new policy, which clarifies that FDI will be allowed only for technologies that are not available in India.

http://www.livemint.com/Industry/MqTrPlsdKy1D0YUGnVfygI/What-does-100-FDI-in-defence-mean.html

In a major shift to ramp up military readiness, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has prepared an ambitious plan to spend some $233 billion over the next 11 years on buying or producing new equipment, including warships, fighter jets, submarines, aircraft carriers and some 500 helicopters.



The sum of $223 billion dollars translates into some Rs 15,00,000 crore (Rs 15 lakh crore) and is projected as part of the financial requirements for the long-term integrated perspective Plan (LTIPP) for the period 2012-2027.

The MoD seeks an annual 8 per cent hike in existing capital spending that allocated in each year’s budget for new military equipment meant for the Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF).


Under the ambitious plan, the MoD has set a target, including induction of an additional 170 fighter jets for the IAF, 12 additional submarines, 500 various types of helicopters, additional artillery guns and tanks for the Indian Army and another indigenous sea-borne aircraft carrier.


Though the plan looks very big, the MoD seeks a gradual and assured hike. The capital spending for the present fiscal ending March 31, 2017 is Rs 86,340 crore (approx $12.69 billion). The entire planned hike for the next 11 years will average out to an annual spend of $20.27 billion.


The move comes after Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar asked the Ministry to layout the financial cost of the military equipment acquisition planned and bring it ‘within sync’ of the existing average hikes possible in the Union Budget. “An annual hike of 8 per cent for capital spending is within sync of the anticipated hikes that for now vary on a year-to-year basis,” sources said.


The LTIPP lists out the equipment that is needed but it did not have the detailed cost of each thing. LTIPP already has a Technology Perspective Capability Road Map (TPCRM) to enable the DRDO, Defence Public Sector Unit and the private industry to plan their research and development.


The LTIPP lays down the expected contingencies of the services and what would be the response. It lists capabilities and expected time frames. Further how these options would be achieved whether by indigenous development or by procurement from aboard.


In the case of targets form copters, submarines, fighter jets, warships and aircraft carrier, the plan is ‘Make in India’. Various joint ventures are being encouraged with foreign manufacturers.


The MoD has also laid down a plan to cut on unnecessary expenditure by clubbing together procurement of three services to prevent duplication of efforts and wasteful expenses.


source- http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/na...-fighter-jets-submarines-warships/284378.html

India Launches Domestic Design Bureau to Cut Imports of Arms and Ammo

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20160901/1044848925/india-domestic-design-bureau.html

For India to meet equipment and weapons requirements necessary to expand its military capabilities in the next eleven years the country will need about $233 billion. There is some doubt as to whether the funds can be raised in that time.

The equipment and weapons are listed in the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for 2012-2027 and, according to Defense News, funding will be sourced chiefly through Capital Head, the Indian procurement budget. Defense spending will need to increase by at least 10 percent if the funding target is to be met.

The 2016-2017 funding allocation for Capital Head is $37.94 billion, a 2.3 percent increase from last year. Nitin Mehta, a defense analyst based in India, believes that the diminishing value of India’s national currency is going to be a considerable obstacle for India to meet its multi-billion dollar goal.

"Given the depreciating Indian rupee and near-stagnant fund allocation in the last two years, it is unlikely that there would be an annual increase of more than 11 percent to meet the target of $233 billion set by LTIPP for the next 11 years," he said.

Former Ministry of Defense financial adviser Amit Cowshish disagrees, offering, "The amount of US $233 billion works out to approximately 15,000,000 million Indian rupees. The current year's allocation for capital acquisitions is around 700,000 million rupees. Taking this as the base and assuming a reasonable yearly growth of 10 to 11 percent, the total allocation over the next 11 years would anyway be close to 15,000,000 million rupees. So any acquisition plan that is based on this financial assumption would be quite realistic."

According to LTIPP nearly 100 single-engine fighter jets, 12 submarines, more than 120 twin-engine fighter aircrafts, 500 helicopters and an aircraft carrier are listed to be purchased.

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/asia/20160909/1045112779/india-needs-billions-for-weapons.html

India offers $1 bn development aid to Afghanistan

Both leaders called for an end to all sponsorship and sanctuaries to terrorists

ndia today committed $1 billion development aid to Afghanistan and affordable medicines. It also renewed its offer to send 1.7 lakh tonnes of wheat to the food scarce country but pointed at Islamabad yet to give its assent to New Delhi's request to allow it to be transported through Pakistan's territory.

India and Afghanistan signed three agreements after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who landed here today morning on a two day working visit. The agreements related to Extradition Treaty, cooperation in civil and commercial matters and Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said that large part of Modi-Ghani discussion was on the challenge the region faced from terrorism, particularly the use of terrorism and violence to achieve political objectives. The joint statement released after the meeting, however, didn't name Pakistan but called upon "the concerned" to put an end to all support, sponsorship and safe havens to terrorists in the region, including those who target Afghanistan and India. India and Afghanistan also decided to strengthen security and defence cooperation.

India also offered further assistance for capacity building in Afghanistan education, health, agriculture, skill development, empowerment of women, energy, infrastructure and strengthening of democratic institutions. New Delhi offered $ 1billion assistance to Kabul for this. Afghanistan is the recipient of India's largest development assistance to any country.

Modi and Ghani agreed that the Strategic Partnership Council co-chaired by the External Affairs Minister and the Afghan Foreign Minister will meet shortly, review the recommendations of the four Joint Working Groups dealing with diverse areas of cooperation and impart further guidance.

The two leaders noted the completion, with Indian help, of Afghan Parliament and Salma Dam. Modi and Ghani said they looked forward to the resumption of India-US-Afghanistan consultations in New York later this month.

It was also announced that the Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process will be held in Amritsar on 4 December. They said choice of Amritsar underscored the value of restoring connectivity and was in consonance with this year's theme for the conference, 'Addressing Challenges, Achieving Prosperity'.

To achieve better connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia, the leaders stressed for early implementation of the trilateral agreement involving Afghanistan, India and Iran, signed in May 2016, using Chahbahar port in Iran. A joint forum of important stake holders, including from business and industry, is to meet soon.


http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-offers-1-bn-development-aid-to-afghanistan-116091401000_1.html

Presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the heaviest hitters of Indian state are weighing the gamut of military options.

Presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the heaviest hitters of Indian state are weighing the gamut of military options - from counterterrorism, cross-border special operations, surgical strikes to a full-blown escalation - to tackle the surge of Pakistani terror, highly-placed official sources said.

On Tuesday night, the prime minister spent an hour-and-a-half at the nerve centre of the Indian Army: the war-room of the defence ministry located in South Block, according to most senior security officials. This centre is also called the military operations directorate.

Responding to Pak on Uri: PM has held series of high-level meetings in secret war room

Modi was briefed from 9.30 pm to 11 pm on Tuesday at the same war room in a meeting attended by defence minister Manohar Parrkar, army chief Gen. Dalbir Singh, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, naval chief Adm. Sunil Lanba, DGMO Lt-Gen Ranbir Singh and national security advisor Ajit Doval, the sources told India Today.

In this top-secret room, the prime minister was shown large maps of key Pakistani installations.

He was given an extensive briefing on intelligence about enemy movements and its plans, the sources said.

Thereon, the PM saw a big sand table depicting Pakistan's topography as he was briefed about Indian military strategies in the event of an escalation, according to top officials.

He was also given the lowdown about the capabilities of the Indian army, air force and navy.

In the highest-profile war-room meeting, almost all options to respond to cross-border terror with an iron fist were discussed, including tough response to any Pakistani retaliation, the sources said.

Plans, highly-placed officials said, were fine-tuned to hit the Pakistani terrorists hardest after their audacious assault on the Uri camp on Sunday.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-terror-uri-attack-india-war-room/1/771175.html

NEW DELHI: Under pressure from multiple quarters, the Army is quietly repositioning itself on the forward locations. Officers privy to the development said a battalion from Udhampur is moving to forward locations along with other reserve battalions from Jammu.

Besides movement of infantry brigades, multiple teams of elite Special Forces are camping in strategic locations. Sources claim that troops from commando units like 2, 4 and 9 Para SF are gearing up on the Line of Control (LoC), as they are trained in unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance and cross-border surgical strikes.

Sources in the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, which controls the major area along the LoC, say instructions have been issued to all Divisions and Brigades to be on the highest state of alert. Lt Gen S K Dua, 15 Corps Commander from Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment, has been making frequent visits to forwards locations on the border, to oversee troops movement.

Major General Anil Chauhan, Commander of the Baramullah-based 19 Infantry Division, which controls the 12 Brigade of Uri, has been busy in controlling high emotions of soldiers after the killing of 18 of their men in Uri.

An official explained that the troop movement is not up to the level of Operation Parakram, which the forces undertook after the Parliament attack in 2001, but the repositioning is required given the charged atmosphere. “We need to be more alert as they (Pakistan) are monitoring troop movement closely. Mobilisation of troops needs to be done quietly. Efforts are being made to plug the gaps on the LoC,” said a defence source.

Besides the movement on the border, the Army has also planned targeted killing in the hinterland, as they suspect nearly 140 terrorists to be hiding in the Valley, of whom 70 are believed to be foreign militants.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...rward-locations/2016/09/25/article3629113.ece

The Ministry of external affairs and ministry of defence addressed a joint press conference on Thursday amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed.

Addressing the conference, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launchpads along LoC, resulting in significant casualties.

Lt Gen Singh said the army does not plan to continue with the strikes but the armed forces are ready for any contingency.
Below are the highlights:

- It has been a matter of serious concern that there has been continuing infiltration by terrorists along Loc in Jammu and Kashmir, says DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh.
- We have often recovered GPS, and other stores with PK markings, and some captured terrorists have confessed to their connections.

- Captured terrorists from Pak or PoK have confessed to their training in Pakistan

- The Indian Armed Forces have been extremely vigilant in the face of continuing threa

- Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launchpads along LoC, there have been significant casualties in the surgical strike

- No plan to continue with surgical strike against terrorist launchpad across LOC as of now

- India shared details of surgical strike with Pakistan

- It is India’s intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region but certainly can’t allow terrorists to operate along LoC

-We expect the Pak army to cooperate with us with a view to erase menace of terrorism.


http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/live-defence-foreign-ministries-address-joint-press-conference/story-IIFlWKfekSOk9u1pyPwOqM.html

In a bid to strengthen the country's defence capacity, India plans to sign big-ticket defence deals with its traditional and strategic partner Russia during the upcoming annual summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week in Goa on October 15-16. It is expected that some of the most important defence deals may get green signal during the meet.
These include the purchase of 5 S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems apart from Kamov-28 helicopters and up-gradation of the Sukhoi 30-MKIs. Two other projects which could also be finalised are the joint production of Kamov-226 light choppers and the long pending joint development of the fifth generation fighter aircraft.

India is one of the biggest purchasers of arms in the world and these deals will further strengthen India's defence arsenal which already boasts of some big purchases that have been made and other deals that are under discussion:

MAJOR PUSH TO BOOST INDIA'S AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM

1-Rafale fighter jets


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Manufacturer: France

On September 23, India signed a 7.8 billion Euro deal with France to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets. And with the addition of these 36 lethal flying machines, the Indian Air Force has re-established its stance as the fourth largest Air Force in the world. The jet comes with RBE2 AA active electronic scanning array (AESA) radar that has a target detection range of at least 130 kilometres which will also be able to track specific enemy entities.

Rafale has an unprecedented range of 100 kilometres as compared to Pakistan's current capability of 80km. This missile can be used to shoot down enemy air crafts and cruise missiles.

The Rafale jet is capable of reaching speeds as high as 2000km per hour which can even outrun most missiles. The jet is made with composite materials which gives it greater agility and high manoeuvrability. The features that make the Rafale a strategic weapon in the hands of IAF is its Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Meteor air-to-air missile with a range in excess of 150 km. With the induction of the Rafale jets, IAF can hit any targets inside both Pakistan and across the northern and eastern borders while staying within India's territorial boundary.


2- S-400 'Triumf' Long-Range Air Defence Missile Systems


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Manufacturer: Russia

The new advanced Russian S-400 Triumf missile system is the most modern, air defence system in the Russian arsenal. Its long-range radars can track hundreds of targets simultaneously and can shoot down even stealth fighters like American F-35 jets.

Russian S-400 Triumf missile systems are capable of destroying incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones within a range of up to 400 km. The S400 Triumf is designed to knock down flying targets including those equipped with stealth technologies, at a distance of about 400 kms. It is also capable of taking out ballistic missiles and hyper-sonic targets.
3- Apache and Chinook

Apache helicopter

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Manufacturer: USA

Last year, India signed a nearly $3 billion deal for purchase of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing and the US government. India has purchased the latest Block III configuration version which the US first got in 2011. Apache Longbow helicopters are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, featuring all-weather and night-fighting features, ability to track upto 128 targets in less than a minute.

The Apache will be the first pure attack helicopter in India's possession and it's a significant move as the Russian origin Mi 35 which has been in the operation for years are now on the verge of retirement. The stealthy chopper is quipped with laser and infrared systems for a weather, day-night operations. It can also fire the Hellfire missiles, besides its arsenal of 70 mm rockets and an automatic cannon.

Chinook Helicopter

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Apart from this India has also bought 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers which can carry 9.6 tons of cargo, including heavy machinery, artillery guns and even light armoured vehicles to high altitude. Its primary roles are troop movement, artillery placement and battlefield resupply. The Chinooks will be used for heli-lifting of heavy military equipment, including special artillery guns and supplies, to inhospitable areas of the North-East.

4- Predator drone aircraft for military surveillance

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Manufacturer: USA

India is trying to expedite a deal with the United States to buy Predator drone aircraft for military surveillance. The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an American unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by General Atomics and used primarily by the United States Air Force (USAF) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Initially conceived in the early 1990s for aerial reconnaissance and forward observation roles, the Predator carries cameras and other sensors but has been modified and upgraded to carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or other munitions.

With Pakistan on the west and the ever expanding China showing its might in the sea areas close to Indian coastline, the Indian Navy has an extremely important task of protecting the country. India is trying to equip the military with Predator drone to gather intelligence as well as boost its firepower along the borders with its immediate neighbours Pakistan and China. It also wants to protect Indian Ocean from any external aggression.

5- HAL's Light Combat Helicopter

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State-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) has been under development for some years. However, a series of recent performance trials have paved way for finalisation of basic configuration. Earlier, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar visited HAL's helicopter complex to have a detailed look on advanced features and armament fit of LCH prototypes.
As per HAL claim the Light Combat Helicopter is designed to carry out dedicated combat roles such as Air Defence, anti-tank, scout, support combat search and rescue operations. It also incorporates a number of stealth features such as reduced visual, aural, radar and infra-red signatures and crash-worthy landing gear, armour protection for better survival.

http://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/5-deals-that-will-bolster-indias-air-defence/story/238302.html

British Petroleum has received a license to open 3,500 retail outlets in India while Russian oil major Rosneft is likely to enter the Indian retail market with 2,000 retail outlets currently owned by Essar.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – Millions of Indians could soon be buying gasoline and diesel from global oil majors as British Petroleum will soon set up 3,500 retail outlets and Russia’s Rosneft will seal a deal to purchase a 49% stake in Essar oil by the end of this October.

Essar is India’s second largest private refinery. Rosneft is likely to enter the Indian retail market with 2,000 retail outlets currently owned by Essar. The Rosneft Board is expected to approve the $6.5 billion transaction next week.

On 26 August this year, Sputnik reported that notwithstanding the pressure being exerted by the US indirectly to scupper the initiative, the Indian and Russian energy firms will go ahead with the deal. The US had included Rosneft on its sanctions list, accusing Moscow of involvement in the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

The deal will shake-up India's retail sector, according to Energy Expert Narendra Taneja.

"Entry of global majors in Indian market will change the picture of the retail sector completely. Consumers will be the major beneficiaries of these developments as new companies will bring new practices with highly efficient products into the retail sector," said Taneja.

Apart from Rosneft and BP, France's Total and Saudi Aramco are also keen to break into the Indian retail market. According to an estimate by International Energy Agency, oil consumption in India is expected to reach to 10 million barrels per day in 2040 from today's 6 million barrels. Last year, Indians purchased more than 24 million new vehicles. Looking at the current GDP growth rate, increased purchasing power may boost the sale of vehicles in the future

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/asia/20161007/1046114693/india-bp-rosneft-market.html

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has mapped out that India needs $233 billion to meet its weapons and equipment requirements in 11 years. This has been calculated according to the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for 2012-2027. The Indian weapon purchases are so massive and diversified that it would require several research papers to explain them.


The following is only a brief attempt in that direction.

According to reports, from 2004 to 2014, 75 percent of all of New Delhi’s weapons imports came from Russia. This is understandable considering the relationship between the two countries and the kind of weapon systems used by India.

From 2009 to 2013, India and Russia struck defence deals of around US$30 billion. On the other hand, during the same period, the Indian government signed contracts worth $30 billion with France and $11 billion with the United States. These were besides what the Indian government had signed with Israel and other countries. This means that in only four years, the Indian government had signed contracts more than US$70 billion with only three countries.

The figures are staggering.

Again, from 2012-2013 to 2014-2015 fiscal years, 162 arms purchase contracts were signed by India, among them 67 with other countries, including Russia (18 agreements), the United States (13) and France (six). The Russian defence deals with India exceeded over $5 billion and with the United States around $4.4 billion.

The kind of weapon systems that India plans to purchase is stupefying and scary.

The Indian Army wants to equip all of its 382 infantry battalions and 44 mechanized infantry units with a fourth-generation shoulder-fired fire and forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. So India is procuring 321 ‘Spike’ systems, along with 8,356 missiles, from Israel. India is also purchasing one medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) regiment, composed of 18 firing units, from Israel that is known of manufacturing state-of-the-art weapon systems.

It has been reported that US defense contractor Boeing alone has won bids to supply the Indian military with 10 C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlift aircraft (worth $4.1 billion), eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (worth $2.1. billion), 22 AH-64E Apache, and 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters (both helicopter deals have a combined worth of $2.5 billion).

Moreover, the French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation has finalised a contract for the sale of 36 Rafale fourth-generation multirole fighter jets to the Indian Air Force at an estimated cost of $9 billion. The European defense contractor EADS will supply six Airbus A330 Multirole Tanker Transport aircraft for the IAF for $1 billion.

India's planned major naval assets include 24 submarines over a period of 30 years. Six Scorpene class are being built at the Mazagaon Docks. All six are expected to join the Indian Navy by 2020. Purchase of six more was cleared in 2015. The next decade will see India fielding 3 Aircraft Carrier Battle Groups effectively enforcing pure dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Not to forget is the license production for Kamov 226 helicopters in India, purchase of 145 ultralight howitzer artillery guns from US, purchase of 100 155mm tracked artillery guns, purchase of 280 aero engines from Honeywell for Jaguar aircraft and purchase of five units of Russian-made S-400 advanced air defense systems that can effectively stop all Pakistani ballistic nuclear missiles.


Conclusion ::

Pakistan is insanely worried about the kind of money being thrown around by India for weapon systems which the Islamic Nation of Pakistan cannot possibly match even in their dreams. It has thus resorted to an intensive Proxy War with India confined mainly to the state of Kashmir as it cannot match India man-to-man and penny-to-penny.
http://www.defencenews.in/article/Paranoia-grips-Pakistan--Indian-Arms-buying-spree-unabated-8752

The Ministry of Defense of India has completed the preparation of a roadmap for the selection of private companies to participate in major orders for the production of defense products, the Indian newspaper The Economic Times reports. The document will be made public this week.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2603062.html

The Indian private military-industrial complex is increasingly integrated with Western companies

The Indian edition of The Economic Times published an interesting interview with the head of the Indian company Reliance Defense & Aerospace ("daughter" of the concern Reliance Defense Ltd.) and former Air Force officer Rajesh K. Dhingra. Our blog leads his text.

Given that the "Strategic Partnership Policy" is already ready, what are the priorities of Reliance Defense & Aerospace?

Our company considers all platforms - this is aviation, and fleet, and land equipment. We will define priorities based on the requirements of the program, which will be included in the requests for proposals. However, the direction of underwater shipbuilding and the aerospace sphere, we will still give greater priority.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2660444.html

Key word is private. In other words, US is pumping money into these organizations so that they get the contracts.