All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

As per the extant policy, Foreign Direct Investment is permitted in the defence sector under the automatic route up to which one of the following limits?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2018 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (04-Feb-2018)
The correct answer is

49 percent

Understanding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India's Defence Sector

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a crucial role in the economic development and technological advancement of various sectors, including defence. India's policy regarding FDI in the defence sector is designed to encourage investment while safeguarding national security interests. This policy often specifies different limits and routes for investment, namely the 'automatic route' and the 'government route'.

FDI Limit in Defence Sector under Automatic Route

The question asks about the limit for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector when the investment is made through the automatic route, as per the existing policy. The automatic route means that the foreign investor does not need prior approval from the government for the investment, subject to certain conditions and limits.

As per the extant policy regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector in India:

  • FDI up to a certain percentage is permitted under the automatic route.
  • Beyond this percentage, investment requires government approval (government route).

The specific limit for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route in the defence manufacturing sector is 49 percent. Investments beyond 49 percent and up to 100 percent are permitted but require government approval. However, this higher limit is subject to certain conditions, such as access to modern technology or for other reasons approved by the government.

Analyzing the Options for FDI in Defence

Let's look at the given options in the context of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for the defence sector under the automatic route:

Option FDI Limit Under Automatic Route?
1 26 percent Permitted (as it is <= 49%)
2 74 percent Not under Automatic Route (as it is > 49%)
3 51 percent Not under Automatic Route (as it is > 49%)
4 49 percent Permitted (as it is <= 49%)

The question specifically asks for the limit permitted *up to which* the automatic route is applicable. This corresponds to the maximum percentage allowed via the automatic route.

Based on the policy, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted under the automatic route up to 49 percent.

Conclusion on FDI Limit in Defence Sector

Therefore, as per the extant policy, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted in the defence sector under the automatic route up to 49 percent.

Revision Table: FDI in Defence Sector

Investment Route FDI Limit Conditions
Automatic Route Up to 49% Subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Government Route Beyond 49% up to 100% Requires government approval, may be subject to conditions like access to modern technology.

Additional Information: FDI Policy Details

The policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is dynamic and can be revised by the government. The limits and conditions for various sectors, including defence, are notified through press notes by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and are part of the consolidated FDI policy document.

Key points about FDI routes:

  • Automatic Route: Does not require prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the government. Investors only need to notify the RBI within a specified period after the investment is made.
  • Government Route: Requires prior approval from the government. Proposals are considered by the respective administrative ministry/department, often channelled through the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in the past (now handled by DPIIT and the concerned Ministry).

The defence sector is considered strategic, and thus, investment policies aim to balance the need for foreign capital and technology with national security and self-reliance objectives.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. ‘Rand/ZAR’ is the currency of ________.

  2. Exchange rates state the value of one currency in terms of other currencies. Which one of the following statements with respect to the exchange rate of a currency is correct?

  3. Which one of the following would be considered as Foreign Direct Investment?

  4. If India enters into Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with other nations, then the growth of exports of India would depend upon which of the following?

    1. Extent of tariff reduction vis-à-vis MFN tariffs

    2. Extent of relaxation in terms of rules of origin

    3. Extent of relaxation in sanitary and phytosanitary measures

    4. Level of infrastructure in India

    5. Income in nations with which India enters into FTAs

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  5. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Most of India's reserves is held in the form of foreign currency.

    2. There is no cost of holding foreign currency as reserves by a nation.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  6. Since 2014-15, India has consistently run trade surplus with which one among the following countries?


Important Questions from External Sector and Currency Exchange rate

  1. Consider the following :

    1. Foreign currency convertible bonds

    2. Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions

    3. Global depository receipts

    4. Non-resident external deposits

    Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?

  2. Procedure for online trading involve(s) which of the following step(s)?

    I. Make an application to open a Demat Account and Online Trading Account.

    II. Allocate funds from the bank account to the trading account.

    III. Once the order is confirmed, it is placed in the stock exchange through the online trading system.

  3. The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

  4. What is the idea that a country should be self-sufficient and not participate in international trade called?

  5. (A) : Devaluation results in expenditure switching in an economy.

    (R) : Devaluation alters the composition of the current account of the balance of payments.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1476 Attempts
4.3(173)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App