In line with the Government of India’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. The move aims to streamline defence procurement processes and align them with broader national objectives such as Aatmanirbharta, ‘Make in India’, and enhanced defence manufacturing capabilities.
A high-level committee headed by the Director General (Acquisition) has been set up to lead the review. The panel includes senior MoD officials, defence industry representatives, and members of academia. Former IAS officer Shri Apurva Chandra, a 1980 batch officer and ex-DG (Acquisition), has been appointed Principal Advisor to the committee.
The committee has already begun consultations and is inviting detailed suggestions from all stakeholders by July 5, 2025. Inputs can be sent to secy-dap2025[at]gov[dot]in.
The objectives of the review are focused on ensuring timely fulfilment of the armed forces’ operational and modernisation needs while integrating emerging technologies such as AI and advanced surveillance systems into procurement practices.
The review also seeks to simplify acquisition procedures, enhance ease of doing business, and promote indigenously designed systems. The MoD is looking to facilitate joint ventures, encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), and foster private sector participation to position India as a global defence manufacturing and MRO hub.
Key areas for suggestions include procedural changes in categorisation, trial procedures, post-contract management, Fast Track acquisition methods, and clarity in the DAP’s language to eliminate ambiguities.
The initiative reflects a strategic shift towards creating a defence ecosystem that is agile, transparent, and innovation-driven—empowering startups, MSMEs, and private enterprises in India’s defence sector.
