The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with KPMG India, has released “India’s Defence Industrial Sector Vision 2047″—a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming India into a global leader in defence manufacturing, innovation, and exports by the nation’s centenary of independence.
Why we’re telling you this
There is a shadow of conflict. This report comes at a critical moment. The recent India-Pakistan military confrontation, triggered by the Pagalgam terror attack, has underscored the urgent need for robust indigenous defence capabilities and resilient supply chains. Pakistan says the core issue is Kashmir, which actually is a settled issue in law. But if the rule of law is not followed through a spin of narrative, no issue can ever be resolved or stay resolved. The crisis has not only pointed out certain vulnerabilities but also galvanised national resolve to accelerate self-reliance and technological advancement in the defence sector.
Vision 2047: Key pillars and strategic vectors
The subhead already looks like a military zone in a news analysis copy. The report sets out an ambitious agenda, closely aligned with the government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar, Agrani, and Atulya Bharat 2047″—a self-reliant, leading, and unparalleled India. The vision is structured around three strategic vectors:
1. Self-eliance in critical defence capabilities by 2032:
- Prioritise indigenous development in key areas
- Reduce dependence on foreign suppliers
- Foster innovation through domestic R&D and manufacturing excellence
2. Becoming a top lobal defence exporter by 2038:
- Position India among the world’s top five defence exporters
- Expand international partnerships and meet global standards
- Aggressively promote Indian defence products abroad
3. Pioneering niche technologies by 2045:
- Lead in cutting-edge domains such as AI, quantum computing, and non-kinetic warfare
- Drive collaboration and investment in futuristic R&D
6 key areas for capability development
To realise these goals, the report recommends targeted interventions in six domains:
- R&D and innovation: Substantially increase investment in critical technologies, incentivise public-private partnerships, and establish a National Defence Technology and Innovation Framework (NDTIF).
- Talent and skill development: Bridge skill gaps through specialised programmes, scholarships, and incentives for expatriate talent to return.
- Defence production capabilities: Enhance financial support, build resilient supply chains, encourage joint ventures, and expand export opportunities.
- Regulatory and procedural reforms: Simplify and streamline regulations, adopt single-window clearances, and shift to quality-based procurement.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations: Deepen technology agreements and incentivise private sector participation in global collaborations.
- Infrastructure: Invest in world-class testing, simulation, and advanced manufacturing facilities, while strengthening cybersecurity.
But there challenges on the path ahead
While India’s defence sector has made notable strides in production and exports, persistent challenges remain—ranging from technological dependencies and R&D gaps to regulatory hurdles and skill shortages. The post-Pagalgam conflict has highlighted the critical importance of addressing these issues through unified efforts among government, industry, academia, and international partners.
In nutshell
“India’s Defence Industrial Sector Vision 2047” offers a compelling, actionable roadmap for transforming India into a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive defence powerhouse. In the shadow of the recent crisis, the report’s recommendations acquire even greater urgency, serving as both a blueprint and a rallying cry for all stakeholders to secure India’s future on the world stage.
