Israel, known for its frugal technologies, has evinced interest in participating in ‘Make in India’ initiative, particularly in the defence production where SMEs account for 80 per cent of design and development.
At a ‘Make in India’ Summit, Israeli Ambassador, Daniel Carmon, said Israel can also cooperate in up scaling both Indian and Israeli SMEs.
“We are interested to take part in ‘Make in India’ and have proven more than once in the past that we are open for the concept of transfer of advanced high technology and joint development,” he said.
Both the government organs as well as the Israeli companies that are implementing projects are ready to engage in this venture, he said.
As per the ‘Make’ procedure, under the Defence Procurement Policy, currently the government funds 80 per cent of the design and development cost of indigenous weapons platforms, with vendors paying 20 per cent, which is providing a helping hand to MSMEs in the sector.
R&D serves as a growth engine for the local industry. The Ambassador evinced willingness to create platforms of joint R&D, from which both the nations can gain a lot.
He said, “We are willing to create more platforms of joint R&D to pinpoint shared challenges, discuss and plan solutions together, and even manufacture them together. Both sides have already gained from this kind of partnership.”
“We see more and more ‘Multi Domestic Partnerships’ of companies that are using the natural advantages of local markets for manufacturing. It is important to have it done properly thorough joint ventures and collaboration, taking into account the corporative advantage and strengths of each partner,” he said.
There are already a number of examples of successful joints initiatives between Israel and India in the fields of defence. As an example, a couple of weeks ago, a successful series of tests of the Barak 8/LRSAM Missiles, jointly developed, have been concluded.
“We should strive to develop even further this unique partnership in Defence. This kind of cooperation is not and should not be limited to the issue of defence, as counterterrorism is becoming increasingly important,” he said.
The summit covered varied topics focussing on Government initiatives to promote ‘Make in India’ in defence production and host sessions on Defence Procurement Policy, promoting MSMEs in defence production, defence forces perspective on ‘Make in India’ – Expectations and Challenges and Industry Interaction on ‘Make in India’.
Image Courtesy: The Hindu Business Line
