Question Q.7GS1GS1

Describe the critical factors for location of defense industries and suggest measures to overcome the challenges. (10 marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Budget 2023-24 allocated 8% budget for defense purposes highlighting significance of defense industries in India's defense indigenisation drive.

18 words

Main Body

Critical factors for location: (1) Raw material availability - eg. availability of Iron, Steel for hardware. (2) Skilled manpower - eg. Russia significantly invested in skilling for defense export & production. (3) Insulation from external surveillance - to prevent cyber attacks etc. (4) Export - port oriented location

5Regulatory policies - Ease of doing business. Challenges with respect to defense industries: (1) large infrastructure creations. (2) long gestation period. (3) Non-availability of technology. (4) High logistics cost - 14% India. Ways to overcome: (1) Multimodality eg. 2 defense industrial corridors - UP & TN. (2) Private sector participation - better technology & capital. (3) Increasing Foreign Direct Investment - currently 74%.

112 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

India is currently largest defense importer (49% from Russia). Developing defense industries will reduce import bills and contribute to 'Make In India' initiative.

23 words

Current affairs linkage
Real world example of Russia

Open original scan

Page 15

Topper

Komal Punia

AIR 6

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Factors for location of industries

Location of defense industries

Writing Stats

153

Total words

Paragraphs

structured, point-wise

Tone