(Year of Technology Absorption)' The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption'. In light of this, explain why there is a need for technology absorption in the defence sector of India. What challenges can India face in this initiative?

Need of Tech. absorption in Defence

1. Ensuring Deterrence to conventional enemies (Nuclear weapon enabled neighbours). → e.g. Divyastra with MIRV technology.
2. Rise of unconventional security challenges

e.g. - Tactical Nuclear Weapons

• Terrorism (socio-economic warfare)
• Climate Change (e.g. Ryupave tech. in Arunachal Pradesh for Road building)
• Disasters (e.g. Oxygen medicine created by DRDO during COVID).

1. Safeguarding Human Security. e.g. - Win Hearts & Minds Strategy in J&K (Can't use unregulated force)

Challenges in this Initiative

→ Import dependency (11% of world imports - SIPRI)

→ less private participation (Risk aversive attitude).

→ Cyber security. e.g. Operation Side by Pakistani Actor on Indian Military in 2020.

→ Budgetary constraints.

Measures taken

→ iDEX for Private Participation → iCET Indo-US defence tech. Collaboration