Reduce dependence on external sources for modernising armed forces: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday pushed for reducing the dependence on external sources for modernisation of the armed forces and emphasised upon ensuring transparency, probity and accountability in the procurement procedures.

"Modernisation of armed forces should not be limited only to acquisition of foreign equipment or foreign technologies. We have to progressively reduce our dependence on external sources," Singh said while addressing the Combined Commanders Conference of the three services in New Delhi.

Terming development of an indigenous defence industry a "national security objective", the Prime Minister stressed the need to gear up own efforts to meet the demands.

"The development of an indigenous defence industry is a national security objective. We have succeeded in persuading many of the advanced countries to dismantle their export control regimes targeted at us which will give us access to high technology, but we need to gear up our own efforts," he said.

Observing that the Defence Procurement Procedure-2011 contains provisions to encourage participation of private industries, he said, "Procurement procedure must ensure transparency, probity and accountability."

On steps taken by the Defence Ministry to streamline the process of acquisition, Singh said, "I am glad that the DPP-2011 contains new provisions to encourage private sector participation in ship building and expansion in scope of the offset guidelines."