The Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)

Context: The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, has notified the 6th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) containing 405 strategically important defence items with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.

About The Positive Indigenisation List (PIL):

What It Is?

• A Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) is an official negative import list/procurement embargo list notified by the Ministry of Defence. Once an item reaches its specified indigenisation deadline, the Indian Armed Forces,

Governed Under & Institutional Framework:

• Nodal Ministry & Department: Department of Defence Production (DDP) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• Policy Framework: Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Make in India in Defence).
• Digital Enabler: Hosted and operationalized through the SRIJAN Portal, launched in August 2020 to display items available for domestic development.

Aim: To systematically eliminate import dependence in defence procurement, foster domestic manufacturing capabilities across MSMEs and private startups, encourage indigenisation of critical sub-systems and raw materials, and establish India as a global defence manufacturing hub.

Key Features of the Positive Indigenisation Lists:

• Phased Import Embargo Timelines: Every notified item carries a progressive, legally binding cut-off year beyond which foreign imports are prohibited, providing private industry sufficient lead time to develop and test prototypes.
• Dual-Track Classification:
  • DMA Lists: Cover major end-user weapon platforms (e.g., artillery guns, corvettes, radars, transport aircraft).
  • DDP Lists: Focus on sub-assemblies, Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), high-precision sensors, ammunition types, and specialized raw materials for DPSUs and Coast Guard assets.
• Execution Through the ‘Make’ Category: Indigenisation is executed through mechanisms such as Make-I (government-funded), Make-II (industry-funded prototype development), and Make-III (substitute procurement), alongside in-house DPSU initiatives.
• Digital Integration via SRIJAN Portal: DPSUs and Service Headquarters upload specifications, technical drawings, and demand volumes of imported items onto the SRIJAN portal, enabling Indian private vendors and startups to express development interest.
• Quality Assurance & Guaranteed Procurement: Domestic vendors that successfully develop, test, and qualify the items according to military standards receive guaranteed procurement orders from the armed forces and DPSUs.