"Our import dependencies need to be near zero": Army Chief General Manoj Pande lays thrust on self-reliance in military production

Army Chief General Manoj Pande emphasized the importance of self-reliance in military production, stating that India should be able to source equipment like ammunition domestically to reduce import dependency. He highlighted the need to develop indigenous capabilities, stating that importing technology would keep India behind. General Pande mentioned Exercise Bharat Shakti in Pokhran as a demonstration of India's efforts towards self-reliance. He also noted the importance of technology in future wars, stating that conventional combat will no longer determine victory.