Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence Research and Development (DD R&D) and Chairman of the DRDO, recently highlighted a significant concern in India's defence sector: the disproportionate burden of research and development (R&D) funding shouldered by the private sector.
In his address, Dr. Kamat acknowledged that private enterprises have been inadvertently funding a substantial portion of defence R&D, straining their resources and potentially hindering innovation. This is particularly challenging due to the high costs and inherent risks associated with long-term R&D projects in the defence sector. The current scenario, where government funding for defence R&D is lacking, has created a gap that needs urgent attention to ensure the continued growth and self-reliance of India's defence capabilities.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Kamat expressed optimism for a brighter future. He envisions a significant shift in the next 5-6 years, with the Indian Armed Forces increasingly turning to indigenous solutions for their weapon and system needs.
This would necessitate greater collaboration with domestic industries and, consequently, more focused and sustained investments in R&D. Dr. Kamat expects this trend to be fueled by a combination of increased government funding and private sector participation.
The Indian government has taken steps to boost indigenous defence manufacturing through initiatives like the 'Make in India' program. However, the specific allocation for R&D within the defence budget remains unclear. As per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India's military expenditure has been on the rise, but the exact portion dedicated to R&D is not readily available.
The hope is that with the anticipated rise in demand for indigenous defence solutions, the government will step up its financial support for R&D activities. This, coupled with the growing involvement of private enterprises, could create a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem for defence innovation in India.
Dr. Kamat's remarks underscore the urgent need for a more balanced approach to funding defence R&D in India. A robust collaboration between the government and the private sector is essential to foster a self-reliant and technologically advanced defence industry. As the nation strives to bolster its defence capabilities, a concerted effort to address the R&D funding gap will be crucial to achieving its long-term strategic goals.
