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India Bans Drone Imports to Boost Local Manufacturing and Innovation
India has taken a decisive step to ban drone imports, a move aimed at bolstering local innovation and manufacturing within the country. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced the ban during the National Drone Summit in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. The government believes this strategy will empower Indian startups and entrepreneurs in the drone industry, reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers.
Drone Manufacturing in India
Naidu emphasized that the import ban is designed to encourage Indian talent and startups to enter the drone sector. “We want the people of this country to manufacture drones,” Naidu said, reiterating the government’s focus on creating indigenous solutions rather than relying on foreign companies.
In line with this, the Centre has liberalized drone regulations, which now allow 27 companies to benefit from the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme worth ₹120 crore. The government also plans to increase the number of registered drones in India from the current 27,000 to over 1 lakh.
Empowering Women with the Drone Didi Program
The Drone Didi program is another initiative highlighted at the summit. This program is empowering 30,000 women by training them as drone pilots, particularly for use in agricultural applications. According to Naidu, this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global drone hub.
India’s Liberalized Drone Regulations
Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, further elaborated on India’s drone policy. He noted that drone rules were liberalized in 2021 to create a conducive environment for startups and MSMEs. The government has simplified the processes and forms, making it easier for individuals and businesses to purchase, operate, and own drones.
The ban on drone imports, along with simplified documentation and the expansion of green zones for drone operations, are key steps toward promoting self-reliance in drone technology. About 90% of India’s airspace has been designated as a green zone, where drone operations can occur without needing special clearance.
Future Steps for India’s Drone Industry
Vualnam also noted that the government is focusing on research and development (R&D) and scaling up the manufacture of drone components. With the success of the PLI scheme, the government aims to further support startups and MSMEs to innovate in the drone space.
The summit also showcased exciting developments in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) regulations, with India keeping a close eye on global standards, particularly those being developed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
With ongoing initiatives, India is positioning itself to lead the global drone industry, ensuring that both manufacturing and R&D efforts are firmly rooted within the country.
