India Bans Drone Imports to Boost Domestic Production
On February 10, 2022, the Government of India announced an immediate ban on drone imports, excluding their use for research, defense, and security purposes. This move aligns with the government’s "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiatives, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and innovation in the drone sector. While importing drones for general purposes is now restricted, the government has allowed the import of drone components without requiring prior approvals, encouraging local assembly and production.
Guidelines for Drone Import Exceptions
For specific purposes such as research and development (R&D), educational initiatives, and defense applications, exceptions have been made.
Government entities, recognized educational institutions, R&D organizations, and drone manufacturers can import drones in Completely Built-Up (CBU), Completely Knocked Down (CKD), or Semi Knocked Down (SKD) forms. However, such imports require prior authorization from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), granted in consultation with the respective line ministries.
Opportunities in India’s Drone Sector
A senior official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasized that the liberalized Drone Rules, 2021, combined with initiatives like the Drone Airspace Map, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and Drone Certification Scheme, have created a conducive environment for investment in India’s drone industry.
The DigitalSky platform, a single-window system, further simplifies compliance, making this an opportune time for businesses to explore and invest in the Indian drone market.
Support for Drone Enthusiasts
For drone pilots and enthusiasts in India, this policy shift might seem daunting, but there’s no need to worry. Companies like insideFPV, India’s first provider of customized ready-to-fly FPV drones, are here to fill the gap.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pilot, insideFPV offers tailored solutions to meet your needs, with drones available in price ranges starting from ₹12,600 up to ₹1,00,000.
Their product lineup includes a variety of drone types:
- LOS (Line of Sight)
- FPV (First Person View)
- Long-Range Drones
- Digital FPV Systems
- Cinewhoops for Cinematic Shoots
Additionally, insideFPV provides free customer service and a one-drone crash warranty, ensuring a smooth experience for drone enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The ban on drone imports signals a transformative phase for India’s drone industry, encouraging domestic innovation and manufacturing. With supportive policies and companies like insideFPV offering advanced solutions, the future of drones in India looks promising.
