Def Tech Tonic

India is trying to become better at making and selling its own defence equipment, like missiles, tanks, and drones.

Recently, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia may buy India’s BrahMos missile. The Philippines already uses it. This is good news because it shows other countries trust Indian defence technology. The BrahMos missile was made together by India and Russia, so Russia has to agree before it is sold. Luckily, Russia has said it is okay with these sales.

But here is the bigger picture. Even though India sells some defence equipment, it still buys a lot from other countries. In fact, India is one of the world’s biggest buyers of foreign weapons. Many of our tanks, for example, are made in Russia. This can be risky because we depend on others for important things like spare parts and upgrades.

That is why India needs to spend much more on research and development (R&D). R&D means inventing, testing, and improving new technology. Countries like the United States are strong in defence because their governments, universities, scientists, and companies all work together to build new ideas.

India needs to do the same. Schools, colleges, private companies, and defence labs should team up. New areas like drones and advanced technology need smart engineers and fresh ideas.

China is already ahead in some of this and sells weapons to many countries. But many nations do not fully trust China because of its aggressive behaviour. India, which is seen as more peaceful and reliable, has a chance to become a trusted defence supplier.

To do that, the whole government must work together and invest in innovation. If India builds strong ideas at home, it can protect itself better — and sell to the world too.

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