India updates defence procurement rules again

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced additional updates to its procurement regulations in line with ongoing efforts to simplify defence trade and spur local manufacturing.

The MoD said on 25 April that new changes to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 provide a commitment to local sourcing over imports; reduce the financial burden on Indian bidders; encourage wider industrial participation in research, development, and production; and accelerate equipment trials.

The MoD said the changes will “promote ‘Make in India’ in defence and enable ease of doing business”. It added that a significant element of the updated DAC 2020 is the priority to procure from local sources unless a requirement to import is outlined by the MoD’s principal procurement authority, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.