India is set to broaden its negative list for defence imports to bring more business to the Indian industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, according to people in the know. The final list is expected to be released today. Each system may be designated a particular deadline for indigenous procurement.

The original list (drawn up in December 2020) included major platforms such as towed artillery guns, conventional submarines and attack helicopters. Now, the list will include new age weapons such as loitering munitions, counter drone systems, all light single engine helicopters and a range of small arms and ammunition. The sources added that a large set of ammunition, ranging from 40 mm grenades, 80 mm warhead rockets, limpet mines and armoured piercing incendiary bullets are likely to be reserved only for Indian manufacturers – public and private.