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Top Indian firms must enter defence arena: CII

The Confederation of Indian Industry on Wednesday said it expects reputed companies to explore opportunities in defence production and supplies with the opening up of the sector even as it suggested that the government should evolve a product and supplier development strategy.

"With the opening up of the defence sector, we expect a large number of reputed companies to look towards defence not just as a supplier of defence products but as a partner in building a stronger and self-reliant armed force," chaiman of CII's National Committee on Defence, Atul Kirloskar, said in Bangalore.

Addressing a national seminar on "Public-Private Partnership in Defence Aerospace Industry", Kirloskar suggested that the government, jointly with the industry, should develop product and supplier development strategies.

"These strategies have to be followed by developing an enabling purchase policy and control mechanism", he said.

CII, Kirloskar said, believes that India should be self-reliant in certain strategic weapon systems like field guns, armament, weapon delivery systems, air cushioned vehicles, armoured vehicles, air defence systems, radars and submarines, among others.

Import of defence equipment, if at all necessary, should be allowed only through tie-ups (joint venture/collaboration) with one of the pre-selected Indian industry.

"No import of indigenously produced goods should be allowed without a 'right of first refusal' by the Indian company", Kirloskar, who is also CMD of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited, said.

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