India has taken a significant step toward bolstering its military capabilities with a landmark decision to approve arms and ammunition purchases totaling $12 billion. Announced by the Indian Defense Ministry on July 3, this comprehensive procurement package aims to enhance operational readiness across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, while reinforcing New Delhi’s ongoing push to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing base.

The approvals, ratified by India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), cover a wide spectrum of advanced military equipment. These include armored recovery vehicles, state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, integrated common inventory management systems, and surface-to-air missiles for the Army. The Indian Navy also received the green light to acquire moored mines, mine countermeasure vessels, super rapid gun mounts, and submersible autonomous vessels-critical for safeguarding maritime security and protecting vital shipping lanes.

The Defense Ministry highlighted that these procurements will significantly mitigate risks posed to both naval and merchant vessels. As India’s strategic interests expand across the Indian Ocean and beyond, ensuring the protection of maritime trade routes and territorial waters has become a paramount priority. The inclusion of advanced mine warfare and countermeasure capabilities reflects a recognition of emerging naval threats, including the risk of naval mines disrupting commercial and military navigation.

While India remains one of the largest global importers of defense equipment, this $12 billion package emphasizes a clear policy shift towards self-reliance and domestic manufacturing. The government is committed to transforming India from a major defense importer into a global defense production hub under its ambitious “Make in India” initiative. This strategy aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, promote indigenous technology........

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