Content

1. Defence Atmanirbharta: Record Production and Exports
2. World Fisheries Day 2025: Strengthening Marine Resources & Livelihoods

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Defence Atmanirbharta: Record Production and Exports

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Why is this in the News?

• India recorded highest-ever defence production: ₹1.54 lakh crore (FY 2024–25).
• Defence exports hit₹23,622 crore, up from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014.
• 16,000 MSMEs, 462 companies with 788 industrial licences, expanded role in indigenous manufacturing.
• Government targets₹3 lakh crore production and₹50,000 crore exports by 2029.
• DAP 2020 + DPM 2025 reforms → fastest procurement era + highest-ever domestic contracting.

Relevance :

• GS 2 (Governance, Policy, Institutions):
  – Defence procurement reforms (DAP 2020, DPM 2025).
  – Institutional strengthening, regulatory liberalisation, FDI norms, export governance (OGEL).
  – Role of MoD, DPSUs, inter-agency coordination in defence industrialisation.

• GS 3 (Security, Economy, S&T):
– Indigenous defence production, innovation, R&D ecosystem (iDEX, DRDO TDF, DIA-CoEs).
– MSME integration, defence corridors, industrial licensing.
– Defence exports, strategic autonomy, technology sovereignty.
– Modernisation of armed forces, reduced import-dependence, multi-domain capabilities.

Context

• India was historically 65–70% import-dependent in defence.
• Policy reforms since 2014 aimed at self-reliance, reducing import bills, boosting exports, strengthening R&D, and widening private participation.
• Atmanirbharta in defence is now a strategic, economic, technological, and geopolitical priority.

Pre-Reform Challenges (Before 2014–15)

• Slow, multi-layered procurement → capability gaps.
• High import dependence → FX drain, supply-chain vulnerabilities during crises.
• Private sector largely excluded; PSU monopoly limited innovation.
• Defence exports extremely low (₹686 crore in FY 2013–14).
• R&D weak; academia–industry links minimal.
• Fragmented policies → no integrated plan for production + technology + exports.

Policy Response & Objectives of Reforms

• Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence aims at a competitive, innovation-led ecosystem.
• Key objectives:
  • Faster procurement with DAP 2020, DAC clearances.
  • Promote indigenous design via POSITIVE INDIGENISATION LISTS.
  • Liberalised FDI up to 74% automatic / 100% govt route.
  • ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme for deep-tech R&D.
  • Build export capacity via simplified processes, OGEL, digital authorisations.
  • Integrate procurement, innovation, production, and global market access under one framework.

Defence Acquisition Reform (DAP 2020)

• Indian-first acquisition hierarchy: Buy Indian-IDDM at the top.
• Reduced timelines via digital approvals, simplified contracting.
• Dedicated provisions for AI, cyber, robotics, space, autonomous systems.
• Industry-friendly measures via iDEX, start-up ecosystem integration.
• Empowered acquisition wings → fewer procedural chokepoints.

Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025

• Standardisation across Services + MoD for revenue procurement (~₹1 lakh crore annually).
• Lower liquidated damages for indigenisation projects (0.1%/week).
• Guaranteed 5-year orders for indigenous products.
• No need for NOC from former OFB.
• Fully digital, transparent system → faster contract execution.

Domestic Defence Production: Key Trends

a) Record Output

• ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
• From ₹46,429 crore (2014–15) → 174% rise in indigenous production (FY 2023–24).
• Government target: ₹3 lakh crore by 2029.

b) DPSU + Private Sector Dynamics

• DPSUs: 77% of total production.
• Private sector: 23%, rising from 21% last year → strong upward trend.

c) Defence Industrial Corridors

• UPDIC + TNDIC:
  • Investment realised: ₹9,145 crore.
  • 289 MoUs, potential: ₹66,423 crore.

d) Expansion of Defence Ecosystem

• DRDO pushes deep-tech with ₹500 crore TDF vertical.
• 15 DIA-CoEs linking academia, start-ups, R&D labs.
• OFB corporatisation → 7 DPSUs with better autonomy and efficiency.
• 16,000 MSMEs integrated into supply chain.

e) Industrial Licences & Investment Climate

• 788 licences issued to 462 companies.
• Export portal approvals increased 17% YoY (1,762 approvals).
• Record signing of 193 MoD contracts worth ₹2.09 lakh crore, of which ₹1.69 lakh crore to domestic industry.

Defence Acquisitions (2024–25): Rapid Modernisation

a) Budget Push

• Capital allocation (2024–25): ₹1.72 lakh crore (+20% over FY 2022–23).

b) Key DAC Approvals

• March 2025: ₹54,000 crore (T-90 engines, Varunastra torpedoes, AEW&C).
• July 2025: ₹1.05 lakh crore (EW systems, SAMs, MCM vessels, autonomous vessels).
• Aug 2025: ₹67,000 crore (BMP night sights, Compact Autonomous craft, BrahMos FCS).
• Oct 2025: ₹79,000 crore (NAMIS Mk-II, GBMES, LPDs, ALWT torpedoes, CLRTSDS).

c) Strategic Impacts

• 65% of defence equipment now domestically manufactured (reversing earlier import dependency).
• Multi-domain modernisation with indigenous platforms.

Defence Exports: India’s Global Rise

a) Export Record

• FY 2024–25: ₹23,622 crore (+12% YoY).
• Private sector: ₹15,233 crore.
• DPSUs: ₹8,389 crore (42.85% growth).
• India now exports to ~80–100 countries.

b) Export Basket

• Bulletproof jackets, patrol boats, UAVs, radars, torpedoes, sub-systems, components.
• Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters, interceptor boats.
• Expanding footprint in South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America.

c) Export Facilitation

• OGEL licences, digital portal, rationalised SOPs.
• Export processes shifted from weeks to days.
• Defence exports used as defence diplomacy → deeper strategic partnerships.

Strategic Significance

• Enhances national security by reducing critical dependencies.
• Boosts economy, jobs, MSMEs, tech innovation.
• Strengthens geopolitical leverage through defence diplomacy.
• Enhances India’s standing as a reliable global defence supplier.

Conclusion

• India’s defence sector has moved from import-dependent to innovation-driven self-reliance.
• Production, procurement, R&D, private participation, and exports have all hit record highs.
• With DAP 2020 + DPM 2025 + Defence Corridors + MSME ecosystem + export reforms, India is transitioning into a global defence manufacturing hub.
• The trajectory is strongly aligned with the targets of ₹3 lakh crore production and ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029, marking a decisive shift towards strategic autonomy.

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World Fisheries Day 2025: Strengthening Marine Resources & Livelihoods

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Why in the News?

• India observed World Fisheries Day 2025 (21 Nov) with focus on sustainability, blue economy, and value addition in seafood exports.
• India released the National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries & Aquaculture.
• GST on key seafood products reduced 12% → 5%, boosting affordability and export competitiveness.
• Marine product exports (Oct 2024 → Oct 2025) rose 11.08% (US$ 0.81B → US$ 0.90B).
• India remains 2nd-largest fish producer and top global shrimp producer.
• Major launches: SOPs for Mariculture, Smart Harbour Guidelines, Reservoir Fisheries Guidelines, Compendium on Coastal Aquaculture, plus traceability standards.
• Delegations from 27 nations participated, signalling India’s global leadership in the blue economy.

Relevance :

• GS 1 (Society & Livelihoods):
  – Socio-economic profile of fishing communities; role in coastal livelihoods; women’s participation.
  – Impact of climate risks on fisher households; migration, vulnerability, resilience.

• GS 2 (Governance, Welfare Schemes, Digital Delivery):
  – PMMSY, PM-MKSSY, FIDF, EEZ Rules 2025, Smart Harbour Guidelines.
  – Digital governance: ReALCRaft, VCSS, NABHMITRA, Marine Fisheries Census 2025.
  – Traceability framework, SPS standards, regulatory reforms, institutional coordination (DoF, MPEDA).

• GS 3 (Economy, Environment, Agriculture & Blue Economy):
– Fisheries contribution to GDP, exports, processed seafood value chain.
– Blue economy expansion, mariculture, deep-sea fishing regulation, sustainability norms.
– Climate-resilient infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, SDG-14 alignment.

  Importance of Fisheries

• Food Security: Key protein source, low carbon footprint.
• Livelihoods: Supports 30+ million people; crucial for coastal & inland rural economies.
• Blue Economy: High multiplier sectors (exports, processing, mariculture, deep-sea fishing).
• Ecosystem Role: Biodiversity management, climate resilience, mitigation of overfishing.

India’s Fisheries Growth – Data & Trends

• Fish production doubled:
  • 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) → 195 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
  • Inland fisheries grew 140%.
• Seafood exports (2024–25): ₹62,408 crore.
• Coastal states:
  • 3,477 villages,
  • Contribute 72% of production, 76% of exports.
• Infrastructure push:
  • 730 cold storages,
  • 26,348 transport units,
  • 6,410 fish kiosks,
  • 202 retail & 21 wholesale markets.

GST Reforms (2025) – Significance

• Key marine products GST cut: 12% → 5%.
• Impacts:
  • Strengthens value addition & processed seafood industry.
  • Boosts domestic affordability.
  • Improves export price competitiveness.
  • Encourages processed seafood units in coastal clusters.

Key Schemes Driving the Blue Economy

1.Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

Objective: Blue Revolution through sustainable, inclusive growth.

Investment: ₹20,312 crore (2020–21 to 2025–26).

Achievements:

• Cold-chain + processing infra (as above).
• Transformation of 100 Coastal Fishing Villages into Climate-Resilient CFVs.
• Women beneficiaries: 60% assistance (vs 40% others).
• Financial inclusion:
  • Kisan Credit Card coverage,
  • SHGs, cooperatives, training.

Significance:

• Reduces post-harvest losses, improves climate resilience, increases incomes.

2.PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)

Investment: ₹6,000 crore, duration 2023–24 to 2026–27.

Core: Formalisation + insurance + traceability across aquaculture value chain.

Key Features:

• Premium support: 40% (max ₹25,000/ha, cap ₹1 lakh).
• Farms up to 4 ha WSA eligible.
• ₹11.84 crore sanctioned (as of Apr 2025).
• Supported by World Bank–AFD mission for design & implementation.

Significance:

• Brings aquaculture into formal credit & insurance net.
• Protects small farmers’ incomes from climate shocks/disease.

3. Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

Corpus: ₹7,522.48 crore (extended to 2026).

Features:

• Concessional finance (interest subvention 3%, effective rate ≥ 5%).
• Nodal agencies: NABARD, NCDC, Scheduled Banks.
• Digital FIDF portal for project proposals.

Status:

• 178 projects, investment ₹6,369.79 crore, subvention ₹4,261.21 crore (as of July 2025).

Significance:

• Enhances post-harvest, harbour, deep-sea & processing infrastructure nationwide.

4. Sustainable Harnessing Rules for the EEZ (2025)

Purpose: Regulate deep-sea fishing, improve governance, boost incomes.

Key Provisions:

• Priority access to cooperatives & FFPOs for deep-sea fishing licences.
• Digital Access Pass System via ReALCraft for mechanised vessels.
• Traditional fishers exempt.
• Integration with MPEDA + EIC for quality, traceability, certification.
• Ban on destructive fishing methods; promotion of seaweed farming & sea-cage farming.

Significance:

• Unlocks deep-sea potential.
• Ensures sustainability & global compliance.
• Strengthens income diversification.

5. ReALCRaft – Digital Governance Platform

• End-to-end online vessel registration, licensing, payments.
• Also handles ownership transfer, hypothecation, vessel modifications.
• Physical visit needed only for biometrics + original document check.

Governance Gains:

• Transparency, reduced delays, better compliance.
• Improved marine monitoring and safety.

6. Vessel Communication & Support System (VCSS)

• Over 36,000 transponders distributed (as of Jan 2025).
• Enhances real-time tracking, safety, search & rescue.

7. NABHMITRA

• Safety + communication for small vessels (<20m).
• SOS alerts, location sharing, resource mapping.
• Strengthens enforcement & reduces maritime accidents.

Marine Fisheries Census 2025 (MFC 2025)

Timeline: 3 Nov – 18 Dec 2025.

Coverage:

• 1.2 million households,
• 5,000 villages,
• 13 coastal States/UTs.

Digital Innovations:

• VyAS–NAV, VyAS–BHARAT, VyAS–SUTRA apps.
• Real-time geo-referenced enumeration.
• Integrated with National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).

Outcome:

• First-ever socio-economic profiling of fisher communities.
• Direct linkage with PM-MKSSY entitlements.

Significance: Evidence-based policymaking for climate resilience.

MPEDA’s Role

• Ensures certification, traceability, quality compliance.
• Promotes eco-friendly aquaculture & responsible fishing.
• Expands market access, trains exporters, farmers, processors.
• Drives research, new technologies, value-added products.

Thematic Focus 2025: “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Value Addition in Seafood Exports”

• Emphasis on:
  • Processing infrastructure,
  • Quality standards,
  • Traceability framework,
  • Low-GST,
  • Deep-sea governance,
  • Smart harbours,
  • Digital platforms.

Strategic Significance

• Enhances:
  • Livelihoods of fishers,
  • Marine biodiversity protection,
  • Export competitiveness,
  • Formalisation & insurance penetration,
  • Blue economy contribution to GDP,
  • Women’s leadership in the sector.
• Advances India toward SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Conclusion

India’s fisheries sector is undergoing a structural transformation driven by sustainability, digital governance, deep-sea diversification, value addition, and global compliance. With PMMSY, PM-MKSSY, EEZ Rules, FIDF expansion, and digital systems like ReALCRaft and MFC 2025, India is strengthening livelihoods while responsibly managing marine ecosystems. The trajectory reflects a shift from volume-led growth toward value-led, climate-resilient, export-competitive blue economy development.PIB Summaries 20 November 2025