Poke Me: The purchase of Rafale fighters points to India's failed defence indigenisation plans (Readers' React)

This week's "Poke Me" invited your comments on 'The purchase of Rafale fighters points to India's failed defence indigenisation plans'. Here are the selected opinions that were published in the ET print edition on Saturday. (Read full article here)

Prasad

Neither Modi nor the IAF are to blame for India’s failed indigenisation programme. It is the failure of previous governments. We should appoint a Chief of Defence staff as a one-point advisor on all defence and strategic matters.

Naveen (Mumbai)

There is a trust deficit on anything developed by DRDO and produced by state owned enterprises. Transfer of technology doesn't necessarily bring technical expertise. Else, after making Soviet arms locally, we should have been a net exporter of arms like China.

Ritu (New Delhi)

Holding hands of a long-term ally like Russia is critical at this stage. But our scientists and engineers must achieve a breakthrough in advanced technologies.

P P Rajagopalan (Chennai)

Uninformed comment! Encouraging HAL would be fine, but for defence, look for a reliable, advanced missile and radar system. Rafale will benefit Dassault and France!

Ashok Goswami

Nothing wrong in sourcing the best. Misplaced jingoism on Make in India should not compromise security. The government must enhance our manufacturing capabilities systematically.





POKE ME will appear every Saturday. The article will first appear on www.economictimes.com every Wednesday morning. Do check what we poke you next with on April 29.