Want more budgetary allocation for defence in the upcoming budget, says Baba Kalyani. Need to give govt more time to ease out issues in defence procurement: Kalyani. Not concerned with long waiting period for FICV down-selection to fall though: Kalyani

Baba Kalyani, chairman of Kalyani Group, spoke to CNBC-TV18 about the government’s focus on 'Make In India' in defence procurement and implementation of policies in the sector.

“We are now beginning to see a fairly good amount of coherence between policy, between the ministry of defence, between the services and the industry, all moving in the same direction. So I expect to see a lot of things happening very soon in this area,” Kalyani said.

Speaking about long-waiting periods for Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) deals, he said, “I don’t think I am concerned about it. The process has just started. To be fair, you need to give it some time.”

On budgetary requirements from the finance ministry, Kalyani added, “As far as the budget is concerned, probably as far as defence industry is concerned, we probably need more money for procurement because I think that is one of the worries that everybody has. The whole modernisation process of the services is beginning to take place. That requires a huge amount of money to buy equipment and to keep equipment in place. So I hope defence budget increases.”