In a decisive move to safeguard national security, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is launching a comprehensive review of military procurement processes aimed at identifying and removing Chinese-origin components from equipment used by the Indian armed forces. This initiative has emerged against the backdrop of escalating concerns regarding the integrity of defense supplies and aims to bolster domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.
Despite existing regulations that prohibit the inclusion of Chinese components in crucial defense systems, recent investigations suggest that some vendors might still be incorporating parts sourced from China, often through intermediaries in third countries. As part of the government’s 2025 defense reforms, this review will prioritize high-risk areas, particularly focusing on drones and anti-drone systems.
To ensure a rigorous assessment, the MoD plans to engage an external agency tasked with auditing claims related to indigenous content, evaluating supply chain dependencies, and analyzing cost structures and technology transfers in defense projects. This agency will also scrutinize vendor practices for potential underquoting of development costs and examine issues surrounding patent ownership.
In a recent public forum, Major General C.S. Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to purging Chinese components from its inventory. He underscored that reducing reliance on foreign—specifically Chinese—components is not only a tactical necessity but also a strategic goal.
Aligned with this objective, the Army is actively supporting Indian manufacturers capable of producing critical components domestically, under the “Make in India” initiative. This effort is poised to not only enhance indigenous defense capabilities but also diminish dependence on potentially unreliable global supply chains.
The need for this review has been underscored following Operation Sindoor, where the involvement of Chinese components in frontline equipment was highlighted. The urgency of addressing this issue led to the MoD’s cancellation in February 2025 of a significant drone procurement deal due to the discovery of Chinese parts, a move taken to mitigate possible national security risks.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Defence aims to ensure that all future procurement processes adhere to the highest standards of national security and self-reliance, consistent with India’s long-term strategic ambitions. This proactive stance not only reflects a commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the defense supply chain but also signals a broader push towards revitalizing the domestic defense manufacturing sector.
