Under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,' Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the third Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of 780 strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs), Sub-systems, and components, with a timeline beyond which they will only be procured from the domestic industry, news agency ANI reported.


"This list is in continuation to the two PILs of LRUs, sub-systems, assemblies, sub-assemblies and components that were published in December 2021 and March 2022. These lists contain 2,500 items which are already indigenised and 458 (351+107) items which will be indigenised within the given timelines," a Ministry statement was quoted by ANI in its report.


So far, the Ministry of Defence has indigenised 167 articles (1st PIL -163, 2nd PIL - 4) out of 458, according to a statement.


The Ministry further said that these commodities will be indigenised through various channels under the 'Make' category.


"'Make' Category aims to achieve self-reliance by involving greater participation of the Indian industry. Projects involving design and development of equipment, systems, major platforms or upgrades thereof by the industry can be taken up under this category." It said.


According to the report, domestic development of various LRUs, Sub-systems, and components will boost the economy and minimise DPSU import reliance. Furthermore, it will assist to harness the local defence industry's design talents and establish India as a design leader in these technologies.


The DPSUs will shortly issue Expressions of Interest (EoIs) and Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and the industry may respond in huge numbers.


Earlier in March, the Ministry of Defence authorised a list of 107 strategically vital Line Replacement Units, with a deadline beyond which imports will be prohibited.


This category includes projects involving the design and development of equipment, systems, key platforms, or updates to them by the industry.


These indigenous LRUs will minimise DPSU import reliance and boost the economy. This would enable Indian industry to access the supply chains of major defence platforms.


Furthermore, it will aid in harnessing the design talents of the indigenous defence sector, establishing India as a design leader in these technologies.


This list is a continuation of the Positive Indigenisation List of 2,851 sub-systems/assemblies/sub-assemblies/components that was previously notified by the Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production on December 27, 2021.


(With Inputs From ANI)