Govt eases policy related to export of certain types of drones, UAVs
New Delhi, Jun 23: The government on Friday eased norms for the export of certain categories of drones, meant for civilian-end uses, with a view to facilitating the outbound shipments of high-tech items.
The commerce ministry's arm DGFT said the export of drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) of certain specifications would be allowed under the General Authorization for Export of Drones (GAED), a one-time general licence valid for three years.
"The export of Drones/UAVs not covered under the specified categories in SCOMET list and capable of range equal to or less than 25 km and delivering a payload of not more than 25 kg (excluding the software and technology of these items) and meant for only civilian end-use, will now be subject to GAED," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said.
Exports of items under the Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET) list are permitted only against an export authorisation issued on this behalf.
"In line with the emphasis laid in Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to facilitate the export of high-tech items (which includes the promotion of exports of Drones/UAVs manufactured in India for civilian end uses) and taking into consideration India's international obligations on non-proliferation, the DGFT has simplified and liberalized the policy for export of drones/UAVs meant for civilian end uses from India," it said.
All kind/type of drones/UAVs were earlier controlled/restricted for export under the SCOMET list.
This list deals with the category of items that are subject to specific regulations due to their potential dual-use nature—meaning they can have both civilian and military applications.
SCOMET licence was required for the export of such items and the industry was facing challenges to export drones with limited capability which are only meant for civilian use, it said.
It added that based on the wider consultations held with all the stakeholders including seeking industry comments on the policy, the SCOMET policy of drones meant for civilian use has been amended through a DGFT notification dated June 23 to simplify and liberalize the policy for these exports.
It said that this policy change will not require the drone makers or exporters with GAED authorization to apply for SCOMET licence for every similar export shipment meant for civilian purpose, within the validity period of three years subject to post-reporting and other documentary requirements.
"This would further facilitate the drone/UAV manufacturers/industry to export drones with ease, thereby, facilitating ease of doing business and promoting export from India," it said adding this policy change would also promote India as the global manufacturing hub for these products.
It will allow Indian drone manufacturers to access larger markets and compete on a global scale, ultimately boosting economic activity.
"Liberalizing export controls on drones may also encourage innovation and technological advancement in the drone/UAV industry," it added.
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Border skirmishes continue in different sectors along LoC for 9th day in J-K
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Jammu (PTI): The post-to-post small arms firing between India and Pakistani troops continued in different sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the ninth consecutive night, officials said on Saturday.
However, there was no casualty in the border skirmishes initiated by Pakistan troops in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
This was the nine consecutive nights of unprovoked firing from across the border, which had mostly restricted to LoC. There was only one incident of firing along the International Border (IB).
Firing between the two sides comes amid heightened tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed.
“During the night of May 2 and 3, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor areas of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately,” a defence spokesman said.
Civilians living along the LoC and IB have begun cleaning their community and individual bunkers to make them habitable in case of an escalation to shelling.
Since the night of April 24, just hours after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistani troops have been resorting to unprovoked firing at various places along the LoC in J&K, starting from the Kashmir Valley.
Initially beginning with unprovoked small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, Pakistan swiftly expanded its ceasefire violations to the Poonch sector and subsequently to the Akhnoor sector of the Jammu region.
This was followed by small arms firing at several posts along the LoC in the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors of Rajouri district. Subsequently, the firing expanded to the Pargwal sector along the International Border in Jammu district.
The renewed ceasefire violations come despite a recent hotline conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, during which the Indian side is learnt to have cautioned Pakistan.
On April 24, Pakistan blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and warned that any attempt to divert water would be considered an "act of war."
The ceasefire along the borders was reaffirmed in February 2021, when both countries agreed to observe the 2003 agreement in letter and spirit. However, the current situation marks a significant departure from the relative calm maintained since then.
India shares a total of 3,323 km of border with Pakistan, divided into three parts: the International Border (IB), approximately 2,400 km from Gujarat to the northern banks of the Chenab River in Akhnoor, Jammu; the Line of Control (LoC), 740 km long, running from parts of Jammu to parts of Leh; and the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), 110 km long, dividing the Siachen region from NJ 9842 to Indira Col in the north.
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