Government reviews defence acquisition procedures 2020 to boost self-reliance

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 19, 2025 19:47 IST

In line with the government’s declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms', the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The move aims to align the acquisition framework with the Government of India’s current policies and initiatives, particularly those focusing on self-reliance and technological advancement.

A Committee led by the Director General (Acquisition) has been formed to undertake extensive deliberations with all stakeholders. The panel includes senior officers from the MoD, along with representatives from the defence industry and academia.

To strengthen the review process, the Ministry has appointed Shri Apurva Chandra, a 1980 batch former IAS officer and former Director General (Acquisition), as the Principal Advisor to the Committee. The panel has already begun consultations and has invited suggestions from stakeholders.

The review of DAP 2020 seeks to:

1. Ensure the timely fulfilment of operational requirements and modernisation goals of the Armed Forces to uphold national security.

2. Align acquisition procedures with key government initiatives, with the aim of:

   a. “Achieve Aatmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) by promoting technology infusion through indigenously designed and developed systems.”

   b. “Enable 'Make in India' by promoting defence manufacturing in India through the facilitation of Joint Ventures and Transfer of Technology to the private sector, encouraging foreign original equipment manufacturers via FDI alignment, and establishing India as a global Defence manufacturing and maintenance, repair and operations hub.”

   c. “Promote Design and Development in both public and private sectors, with a focus on Startups, Innovators, and the Private Defence Industry for indigenous technology infusion.”

The Committee is specifically seeking feedback on three key areas:

1. Policy and procedural reforms to streamline the acquisition process, including categorisation, ease of doing business, trial procedures, post-contract management, fast-track mechanisms, and integration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

2. Language refinements aimed at eliminating ambiguity, resolving inconsistencies, and enhancing clarity within the DAP document.

3. Any other relevant issues that stakeholders believe should be addressed in the upcoming review.