In its pursuit to become ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly held discussions with 17 Indian companies for local manufacturing of arms for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The ministry held talks with Larsen & Toubro Godrej, Premier Explosives, and others for manufacturing small arms locally. A senior official from the home ministry said that these private companies shortlisted by MHA will have the license to manufacture weapons locally. The MHA is also said to have had talks with Director-Generals of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Security Guard (NSG), and Assam Rifles.
“The security forces have been asked to provide their requirements and to cut down on the import of arms and ammunition which can be easily developed with the help of local manufacturers,” another home ministry official said. According to data by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the second-largest arms importer during 2015-2019, with Russia and US being the top suppliers
