On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the armed forces, military-civilian bureaucracy, and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to collaborate, eliminate cost overruns and project delays, and prioritize the success of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing.

Top officials were directed to ensure complete accountability in Indian defense planning during a meeting attended by key figures such as Dr PK Mishra, the principal secretary to the Prime Minister, Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser, Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, Giridhar Aramane, defense secretary, and Dr Samir V Kamat, secretary DRDO and chairman DRDO, among other high-ranking officials.

While the specifics of the meeting remain classified, it is understood that Modi instructed attendees to focus on the long-term future of defense manufacturing rather than just the present. He emphasized the importance of conducting an audit of existing platforms within the armed forces before seeking additional resources.

Modi stressed the need for accountability in managing cost overruns and project delays, especially in defense initiatives involving significant financial investments and extended timelines. This directive comes at a time when the government aims to redirect saved funds into welfare programs like the PM Awas Yojana, which focuses on providing housing for the underprivileged.

The Prime Minister, instead of approving new acquisitions, sought explanations on the armed forces' approach to addressing platform obsolescence and demanded accountability for accidents resulting in the destruction or impairment of platforms worth hundreds of crores, according to sources familiar with the meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Two weeks after Prof K Vijay Raghavan submitted a critical review, Prime Minister Modi expressed concerns about India's defense research and manufacturing. The report highlighted urgent issues within the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), noting unrealistic timelines, cost overruns, and technological obsolescence. The committee urged DRDO to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach and prioritize technological leadership.

The report arrives as India aims to bolster domestic defense equipment acquisition and expand exports. The committee identified a lack of synergy between DRDO and equipment users, resulting in lopsided platform development. The Vijay Raghavan committee made 11 key recommendations, including addressing the neglect of the national defense research ecosystem, involving the private sector, and enhancing collaboration with academia and industry, especially in the early stages of projects.

The report's findings and the discussions during the PM's review meeting indicate a pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of DRDO. The armed forces require increased accountability, and national security planners must possess the vision to ensure the success of "Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Image source: Hindustan Times