Seeking increased participation of the private sector in defence equipment research and manufacturing sector, scientist and Managing Director of Brahmos Aerospace A. Sivathanu Pillai said he was confident that soon India would be in a position to export defence equipment to the world. Pillai, who is also the Chief Controller, Research and Development, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), clarified that entry of the private sector in production of defence equipment would not jeopardise nation’s security.He said many countries have evinced interest in Brahmos and orders for its supply have started pouring in. “We have reached a stage where military equipment is being manufactured in India and this programme needs to be taken ahead.” This would reduce India’s dependence on other developed nations, he added.He said population growth, non-participation of the industry in the development process of defence sector and invasion by other countries, as three major reasons for India not turning into a hub of manufacturing defence equipment. Pillai hopes increased participation of the private industry in the defence sector manufacturing would change the present scenario. He cited example of 23 Indian companies enlisted by the Government for manufacturing equipment, after the major policy change by the government in involving the private industry.
