Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Wednesday that the Centre will soon come out with a streamlined policy on defence procurement procedure.

Parrikar told reporters at the Aero India show that the Ministry is working on a separate policy for ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for India’. “The thinking is on and in the next few weeks we will be taking a clear decision on it,” said Parrikar.

He said in view of the security scenario around the country, it is very important that India becomes self-dependent in defence production. The Defence Ministry has taken on itself to make it sure that ‘Make in India’ happens. It is an immensely important time for ensuring that business deals are struck in a way that our target for ‘Make in India’ is a success, he added.

Welcoming the companies representing cream of the global aerospace industry to Aero India, he said: “They have come to participate in Aero India which speaks of the air show gaining popularity.”

Will stay put

Parrikar denied reports that Aero India will be shifted out of Bengaluru

“The country’s premier aerospace exposition will remain in Bengaluru and there is no reason why it should be shifted out to Goa or Gujarat,” he explained.

He said: “Yelahanka Air Force Station is such a huge facility; we have expanded this year’s air show from 1.25 lakh sq m to 2.58 lakh sq m. There is more space for future expansion.”

Parrikar said that when he flew down to Bengaluru, he conducted an aerial survey and got realised that there is enough space here in the city and all it needs is a proper planning. About 295 companies are taking part this year, as compared with 156 last year. Similarly foreign participation has gone up from 212 last year to 328 this year.

As for paid delegates taking part in the Aero India, 109 has registered this year and it was 78 last year. Number of countries taking part has also gone up from 31 last year to 49 this year. This year around 72 aircraft participated, as compared to 63 last year.

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