Laxman Kumar Behera

Implications of CAATSA for India’s Defence Relations with Russia and America

While the provisions of the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) are unlikely to be imposed on India anytime soon, it is nonetheless likely to prove a dampener on an otherwise booming defence relationship between India and the United States.

Creation of Defence Planning Committee: A Step towards Credible Defence Preparedness

With the powerful DPC in place and the NSA assuming the role of de facto CDS for all practical purposes other than in operational matters, the defence planning process is expected to become more rational and provide a boost to defence preparedness.

Laxman Kumar Behera |
April 19, 2018 |
IDSA Comments

Draft Defence Production Policy 2018: Challenges Galore

The Draft Defence Production Policy 2018, which aims to promote the Make in India initiative in the defence sector and create a world-class arms manufacturing base, faces a number of challenges, which, if left unaddressed, may limit its usefulness.

Laxman Kumar Behera |
April 04, 2018 |
IDSA Comments

Defence Budget 2018-19: Over to the Standing Committee for Scrutiny

This Issue Brief highlights five major issues and concerns that may merit the SCoD’s attention while examining the latest Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence.

Laxman Kumar Behera |
February 26, 2018 |
Issue Brief

Defence Budget 2018-19: The Imperative of Controlling Manpower Cost

Like in the past several years, the defence budget for 2018-19 also grew marginally, with much of the growth being cornered by rising manpower cost.

Laxman Kumar Behera |
February 02, 2018 |
Issue Brief

Examining the US Defence Acquisition Apparatus: What can India Learn?

The United States (US) defence acquisition apparatus, arguably the biggest in the world, has undergone several reforms in the past 100 years. The reforms, which have focused on both structural and procedural aspects of acquisition, have led to establishment of authority and accountability in acquisition; articulation of a detailed regulatory mechanism; a dedicated university to impart training to acquisition workforce; and a clear incentive structure for the domestic industry.

Changes in the SCOMET List: What it means for the Indian Defence Industry

The formal inclusion of the Munitions List within the SCOMET framework explicitly brings the defence industry under the purview of India’s global commitment to non-proliferation.

An Assessment of the Strategic Partnership Model in Defence Industry

The SP model, if implemented well, is likely to have a number of benefits for both the private sector and the larger Indian defence industry.

Preference for Local Industry in Defence Contracts: What India Can Do

The new enabling provision in GFR-2017 provides the MoD a chance to amend its own procurement document and include a provision of production reservation and price preference for domestic industry.

India’s Defence Budget 2017-18: An Analysis

While certain changes in the format of the defence Demand for Grants have brought even more complexity to the task of estimating India’s official defence budget, the fact remains that there has only been a meagre increase of 5 per cent which is grossly inadequate to keep the Armed Forces in fighting form.