8216;Raise FDI in defence from 26 to 74 pct8217;

8220;There need not be any commitment on procurement and these players will have to participate in the Request for Proposal to technically qualify and also compete in the financial bid,8221; DIPP said in a discussion paper.

It has sought views of different stakeholders till July 31 this year.

8220;Only 15 per cent of India8217;s defence equipment can be described as state-of-the-art and nearly 50 per cent is suffering obsolescence8230;there is,therefore,an urgent need to enhance the deterrent and the operational capabilities of the armed forces8230;,8221;

Since the entire issue has been placed in the public domain,the DIPP clarified that the suggested policy should not be construed as the firm views of the government.