Cluster Protection For Defence Can Help All Manufacturers: Parrikar

It's tough being in charge of the defence lines of a big country. As India gets ready for its Republic Day celebrations, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has a light Q&A with defence industrialists at the Indian Defence and Aerospace Summit organised by NewsX and Sunday Guardian in New Delhi on Wednesday.

We are trying to set up a defence motor generator plant in a state and the amount of harassment from officials is immense. As investors to their community shouldn't we be accorded more respect? Can we change this?
I come from a state having elections as we speak. I agree with you. Thing is investment is considered an opportunity by people at wrong end of spectrum and try to make use of you when they know you’re an investor. They think they are doing you a favour. Cluster protection for defence sector can help all defence manufacturers in each state. But better to select the best state for your needs. We are working on a mechanism for this. Gujarat state is thinking of an industrial clusters for defence sector.

Is it possible to allocate money for Make in India manufacturing/investment projects?
We are trying to make mechanism along those lines to make project execution faster.

Terrorism from Pakistan continues. Can you assure India will do whatever it takes if any event occurs?
Your question is capable of creating lots of trouble and controversy if answered. Especially if it goes on evening news.

Is government going to from key clusters to build plants for aero, aviation and defence manufacturers?
It is a good point. However it’s better to finalize such decisions after discussing with such manufacturers. We will also prefer diversification in clusters by state. For example, Bangalore has clusters for electronics; Hyderabad has clusters for missiles and aerospace.

Pakistan is using chemical weapons. Do we have anything to back us up against such weapons?
I too heard of news report of chemical weapons in Fatah areas, not sure of authenticity of report though. But I feel provisions of our chemical and biological and defense is aware of dangers and is equipping ourselves. But we should not disclose all this. People should be kept guessing on our level of preparedness.

Could you explain procurement policies on flagship procurement like fighter jets, especially under Make in India?
I’d rather ask industry to give me feedback on this. However 2-3 rules more are to be relaxed. Auditing is cumbersome at present we feel, and hope to make it easier. Please send me all your suggestions and feedback. The ministry will like to hear your ideas. I read all mail, with subject to condition the font size is at least 12.

Who is India’s enemy number 1?
Can you take a joke? I sometimes think it’s the media. But on a serious note, for me, I don’t consider anyone enemy. If I do then my behaviour will be offensive, will create terror or will show fear. So I treat my neighbour as a friend and wish they take this signal and start treating me as a friend. So that means the neighbour can’t be friendly today then all of a sudden start throwing stones tomorrow, they can’t support terrorists on one side then become friendly again. On our side I'd like to be stronger. My strength is not to go on offense. But I will act if someone tries to molest me. Sometimes strength display is enough; using strength is not necessary.