India to Overhaul Military Procurement Rules to Remove Chinese Components
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is preparing for a comprehensive assessment of all military procurement protocols to remove Chinese components from the equipment used by the Indian armed forces. This effort, driven by increasing national security concerns, seeks to reinforce the defense manufacturing sector's integrity in India.
Even though current regulations prohibit using Chinese parts in crucial defense platforms, recent analyses indicate some vendors might still be sourcing components from China, often through intermediary countries. As part of the government's 2025 defense reforms, the review will particularly target high-risk areas such as drones and anti-drone systems.
To promote transparency and accountability, the MoD intends to engage an external agency to audit claims of indigenous content, scrutinize supply chain dependencies, and assess the cost structures and technological transfers in defense projects. The agency's mandate will also include investigating potential underquoting of development costs by vendors and addressing issues related to patent ownership.
During a recent forum, Major General C.S. Mann, Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau, reaffirmed the Army's commitment to purging Chinese components from its inventory. He stressed that diminishing reliance on foreign, especially Chinese, components is a strategic priority.
Consistent with this policy, the Army is also aiming to bolster Indian manufacturers who can produce essential components domestically under the "Make in India" initiative. This strategy is anticipated to significantly enhance indigenous defense capabilities while minimizing dependence on global supply chains deemed vulnerable.
The urgency for this review has increased following Operation Sindoor, which uncovered Chinese components in frontline equipment. In February 2025, the MoD nullified a significant drone procurement deal after discovering it contained Chinese parts, citing potential threats to national security.
Through this latest initiative, the Ministry aims to ensure that all future procurements adhere to the highest national security and self-reliance standards, aligning with India's long-term strategic objectives.
