Govt assures support to pvt cos for defence exports

The Dollar Business Bureau

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has assured the Indian private sector to offer complete support from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in realising the national objective of defence exports to friendly countries at competitive prices.

He said this during his official visit to Hanoi, Vietnam on Monday. Indian private sector should take the initiative in the modernisation of Vietnam’s defence forces. This will strengthen the diplomatic and military ties between both the countries. Also it will open the doors of strategic exports from India, the minister said.

In his visit to Vietnam, he was accompanied by a composite defence delegation from India. Along with the minister, they met Vietnamese counterpart in presence of Vietnam’s Vice Minister of Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich. The two countries are celebrating 45 years of diplomatic ties and a decade old strategic partnership.

On the occasion, General Ngo Xuan Lich said that there were limitless opportunities from both the nations. Upgradation of Soviet legacy systems, Thermal Sights and Fire Control Systems for - BMP, T 54, T 55 Tanks, MI 17/ Mi 8 Helicopters, Shipbuilding Programmes, Missile Systems from India and Software Defined Radios are some of areas identified to work together, he informed.

As an active chamber of commerce, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is closely working with the Ministry of Defence and Indian industry to facilitate the trade dialogue between both the countries.