New Delhi announced on Thursday a revision of the standard operating procedure (SOP) governing defence exports, a move intended to simplify the licensing process for Indian manufacturers seeking overseas contracts. The Defence Ministry said the updated SOP removes several procedural bottlenecks, such as multiple agency clearances and lengthy approval timelines, and introduces a single‑window system that will allow exporters to obtain all necessary permissions through a unified portal. The changes also expand the list of equipment and technologies eligible for export, bringing more categories under the "approved" banner that were previously restricted under the older framework.
The overhaul comes after industry bodies and major defence firms, including Larsen & Toubro, Tata Group and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, raised concerns that the earlier export regime was too cumbersome, causing delays that hampered their ability to win foreign bids. Under the revised rules, exporters can now submit applications electronically, receive provisional approvals within a stipulated 30‑day window, and benefit from clearer guidelines on end‑use verification. The Ministry also said it will set up a dedicated grievance redressal cell to address any compliance issues swiftly.
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The policy shift aligns with the government's broader "Make in India" and "Defence Production Policy" objectives, which aim to transform the country from a net importer of defence equipment to a net exporter. Officials cited the target of achieving $5 billion in defence export earnings by 2025 as a key driver behind the simplification drive.
