India takes steps to prevent weapons falling into wrong hands

The Ministry of Defence is increasing its oversight of defence equipment manufacturing in India and placing a strong emphasis on strict adherence to end-user certification rules for exports. This is in direct response to reports of defence equipment ending up in unauthorised hands. India’s defence sector has not only witnessed a significant surge in arms and weapons production for both domestic use and international export, but it has also taken proactive steps to increase oversight. A report says, as of the end of the financial year 2023-24, 606 industrial licenses have been issued to 369 companies in the defence sector. The Ministry is planning to establish an internal portal to monitor the consumption patterns of defence companies’ imports. It will specifically focus on critical items such as explosives and primers.