Private sector has capacity & will to deliver: Army Chief General Dalbir Singh

NEW DELHI: Army Chief General Dalbir Singh has come out in full support of greater private sector role in defence, disclosing that a formal mechanism is now in place for “regular engagement” with the private industry. He also welcomed recent government efforts to liberalise the foreign direct investment regime in the defence sector.

In an interview to ET, Gen Singh said: “I am confident that the Indian industry, including the private sector, has the capacity as well as the will to respond efficiently to the challenge which is also an opportunity for them — the ‘Make in India’ initiative.”

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As the principal user of the military equipment manufactured domestically, Gen Singh said a liberalised FDI regime will “accrue several benefits including a boost in defence research and development, a reduced dependence on import of military hardware and enhancement of the technical skillsets of Army operators and technicians.”

Gen Singh also defended the high revenue to capital expenditure ratio of the army, citing unique security needs of India. “There is a need to maintain constant vigil. Multiple threats faced by us are compounded by the inhospitable and unique terrain. These challenges require ‘boots on ground’ to guard the frontiers,” he said.