Stay updated with breaking news from New Delhi Based Security Risks. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Lapses in the procurement processes, bureaucracy, and a slew of tortuous procurement manuals running into hundreds of pages were largely behind these enduring delays.
In ongoing discussions with Malaysia, India is attempting to not only sell 18 indigenously designed Tejas aircraft but also a maintenance package for the country's Su-30MKM combat fleet.
The scrapping of the long-pending procurement of badly-needed towed air defence gun missile systems has trained focus on the army's repeated qualitative requirement overreach.
Trained manpower is often open for exploitation by hostile forces, say former military and security officials. Many could even end up joining overseas mercenary groups and private military contractors.
Most defence equipment companies operating in India are agonised by complex procurement procedures, but what keeps them going is the size of the Indian market and the hope of high profits.