India bans import of drones, apart from R and D, Defence and Security

The Central Government on Wednesday banned the import of drones, except for research and development, defence and security purposes with immediate effect. The Ministry of Civil Aviation mentioned that this initiative has been taken to ensure that Made in India drones are promoted.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the Indian Trade Classification of 2022 on about the prohibition of drones for import with immediate effect.

Although the import is allowed for R and D, Defence and Security, importing drones for these purposes will require due clearances by the Central Government.