Indian Navy to unveil ‘Swavlamban 2.0’ next week: Vice-Chief
Context :
Vice-Admiral Sanjay Singh, the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff, announced on Wednesday that the Indian Navy will unveil its updated indigenization road map, known as “Swavlamban 2.0,” next week. This document will provide an update on what has been accomplished thus far and the path forward.
What is the Swavlamban road map?
The Naval Innovation and Indigenization(NIIO) Seminar, popularly known as “Swavlamban 2023,” is a venue for the Indian Navy to promote the indigenous use of Indian technology. The seminars’ goal is to involve Indian academia and business in achieving self-reliance in the defence industry. A target of 75 innovative technologies was set for the First seminar.
Why was Swavlamban 2.0 introduced?
- Assessment of Progress: “Swavlamban 2.0” may have been developed to evaluate and document the advancements made since the introduction of the first “Swavlamban” program or plan. It offers a platform for assessing the successes, obstacles, and opportunities for development in the Indian Navy’s indigenization initiatives.
- Updated Roadmap: It serves as a roadmap detailing the priorities and future course of the Indian Navy’s indigenization plan. It’s crucial to update and modify the roadmap as defence requirements and technology change.
- Achievement Showcase: The launch of “Swavlamban 2.0” enables the Indian Navy to highlight its accomplishments in creating domestic technology and goods in partnership with local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups. This serves to emphasize the fruitful results of earlier efforts.
- Self-Reliance is Still Emphasized: The launch of “Swavlamban 2.0” highlights the Indian Navy’s ongoing dedication to defence independence. To further advance indigenization, it might also incorporate new objectives, targets, and plans of action.
Why is it Important to be self-reliant in Defence?
- National Security: A nation’s security and sovereignty depend on its ability to defend itself independently. Dependence on foreign suppliers for essential defence hardware and technology exposes a nation to supply chain interruptions, geopolitical unrest, and embargoes, all of which can pose a threat to national security.
- Strategic Autonomy: A nation has more control over its strategic choices when it has a self-sufficient defence capability. It assures that a nation can make independent judgments in times of crisis without outside influence and lessens reliance on other nations for essential defence assets.
- Cost-Efficiency: In the long term, developing defensive capabilities domestically may be more economical. Relying on imports frequently entails high expenditures, such as foreign exchange fees, maintenance charges, and technology transfer fees. Self-reliance can eventually result in cost savings.
- Technological Development: Investing in domestic defence capabilities promotes R&D in technology-intensive industries. This can therefore spur innovation and technical development, helping not only other businesses but also the defense industry.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: The military industry has the potential to create a sizable number of jobs and boost the economy. Increasing defence capabilities at home can result in the creation of high-skilled jobs, a boost to the manufacturing industry, and economic growth.
- Reduced Vulnerability: A nation’s susceptibility to supply disruptions during conflicts or crises might increase if it depends on outside sources for its defence equipment. A domestic defence industry guarantees a steady supply of essential tools and lessens vulnerability.
What are the economic benefits of self-reliance?
- Cost Savings: Building domestic capacity frequently results in long-term cost savings. Dependence on imports for essential commodities, technologies, or defence equipment can be expensive due to import levies and foreign exchange charges. Self-reliance can cut down on these expenses.
- Job Creation: Initiatives to increase self-sufficiency often ask for investments in R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance. Jobs at all skill levels, from high-tech research and engineering to production and maintenance, are made possible by these activities.
- Economic Diversification: A country’s economy can be made more diverse by developing domestic manufacturing and technology capabilities. It lessens reliance on a select group of industries and may result in a more stable and balanced economy.
- Export Opportunities: Developing high-quality goods and technologies is frequently a byproduct of independence. These can be exported, bringing in money and improving the country’s trade balance.
- Strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Promoting self-reliance frequently entails working with local SMEs. These enterprises may benefit from this support as they expand, innovate, and become more competitive in both domestic and foreign markets.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, achieving defence self-sufficiency is crucial for preserving national security, guaranteeing strategic autonomy, supporting economic growth, and advancing technical innovation. It lessens a nation’s vulnerabilities and improves its capacity to safeguard its interests and successfully address changing security issues.
