INDIA BANS TO IMPORT FOREIGN DRONES

• To promote Indian drone industry, the government has banned the import of drones; R&D and defence purposes are exempt.
• Except for those needed for defence, security, or research and development, the government has barred the import of foreign-made drones.
• The decision was made in order to promote local manufacturing as part of the Make in India initiative. Drone component imports, on the other hand, will be permitted as before and will not require any permissions.
• On Wednesday, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notification in this regard, and the rule will take effect immediately.
• The Union Cabinet approved a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme in September with the goal of making India a drone centre by 2030.
• Manufacturers of drones and drone components can receive a 20% incentive under the PLI programme. It followed closely on the heels of recent rule changes that made owning and operating drones easier.
• The government has set up Rs 120 crore for the project, which would be implemented over three years. According to a news statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this figure is roughly double the aggregate turnover of all domestic drone producers in FY21. Manufacturers will receive a bonus of up to 20% on the value addition they make.