The Ministry of Defence has implemented a series of comprehensive reforms to streamline the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework, aiming to make India a reliable and competitive global defence manufacturing and export partner.
The Department of Defence Production, under the guidance of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has undertaken a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at making India a trusted partner in global defence manufacturing and exports. These reforms are aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Stakeholder consultation has been waived for exports of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, while appropriate safeguards have been retained for sensitive countries. Stakeholder consultation has also been dispensed with for all items for international tenders and exhibitions.
The Open General Export Licence (OGEL) has undergone significant changes. Three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company transfer of technology have been consolidated into one unified OGEL SOP. The validity of the OGEL has been increased from two to three years, and its coverage has been expanded from 41 to all countries, except negative/sensitive nations and those facing UN Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.
A new provision facilitates Indian companies having long-term contracts or agreements with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (FOEMs). OGEL may be granted for eligible items and the particular FOEM, with validity aligned with the underlying contract or agreement, subject to prescribed conditions. The range of items covered under OGEL has been expanded, providing greater flexibility to eligible exporters.
The revised framework also permits civil-end-use exports of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment, further broadening legitimate international business opportunities.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
