When India itself is making high-tech weapons then… controversy over buying rifles from America

New Delhi: As fast as India’s economy is growing, India is also moving ahead in the defense sector at the same pace. India is making one high-tech weapon after another. Most of the countries including China, Pakistan, America are keeping an eye on India’s growing power. But meanwhile, a defense deal of India remains a topic of discussion. Or we can say that this deal has created a controversy. Actually, the Indian Army has announced a second purchase contract for the supply of additional 73,000 SIG716 rifles from the American company SIG SAUER. This decision is part of the army’s modernization campaign, but this step also raises many questions. Is buying more rifles after already purchasing 72,400 rifles a profitable deal for India, which is becoming self-reliant in the defense sector? Questions have been raised on the purchase of foreign weapons by the Indian Army, while the private sector of the country has tried to provide Made in India weapons for the army. Recently, after the order of American SIG716 rifles, CEO of Bengaluru’s SSS Defence Vivek Krishnan reacted on social media. Vivek Krishnan has said that this decision is a setback to the dream of ‘self-reliant India’. Krishnan says that Indian companies are fully capable of meeting the needs of the army. But he/she is disappointed by the government giving preference to foreign companies.

‘Employment opportunities are increasing in the country…’

Krishnan further said, ‘The government should have encouraged indigenous design and manufacturing. The government should have given an opportunity to Indian companies and encouraged them to manufacture this rifle. This would not only increase employment opportunities in the country but would also make India self-reliant. Many Indian companies making small arms are doing excellent work and they just need the support of the government. he/she believes that considering the neighboring countries, we should not depend on anyone else for our defense.’

What is special?

India has signed a deal with the US for 73,000 SIG716 assault rifles. The special thing is that these will be included in the stock of 72,400 such guns purchased earlier for the army. SiG-716 rifles are 7.62x51mm caliber guns, which have a range of 500 meters. These will be given to the soldiers deployed on the borders with China and Pakistan.