India Bans Import of Foreign Drones

In a bid to promote the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the Central Government has banned the import of drones with immediate effect. The new rule, however, comes with certain exceptions. These include the import of drones required for R&D, educational purposes and defence and security, which have been allowed by the government but on the condition that they will import the drones only after due clearance.

Details

The decision has been taken with a view to promote local manufacturing under Make in India scheme. Import of drone components however will be permitted as earlier and will not require any approvals.

In 2021, the Ministry notified liberalized drone rules with the aim to encourage R&D and to make India a drone hub. It abolished several permissions and approvals. 

• The Drone Rules 2021 have also done away with the requirement of possessing a certificate of airworthiness, unique identification number, prior permission and remote pilot licence for entities engaged in research and development (R&D) on drones.

Last September, the Union Cabinet cleared a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to make India a drone hub by 2030.

• The PLI scheme provides up to 20 per cent incentive to manufacturers of drones and drone components. It came close on the heels of the recent liberalisation of rules, which has made owning and operating drones easier.
• The government allocated Rs 120 crore for the scheme and it will be spread over three years.