The modernization of the Indian Armed Forces, the world’s third largest, is a key priority for the Indian government amidst an increasingly complicated geo-political neighbourhood and growing global instability. This has resulted in India being the world’s fourth largest spender on defense, of which 31.1% is assigned to capital acquisitions. In this backdrop, the Firm is uniquely placed to service international and national players in the Defense & Aerospace industry, as we are one of the very few Indian law firms that have a dedicated team of counsels – the Defense Practice Group – with extensive experience and deep specialization in this sector. We provide comprehensive and commercially tailored advice on the entire spectrum of issues related to defense procurement in India, with multiple long-standing clients ranging from market-leading international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to Indian Offset Partners.

Our Firm is proficient in delivering comprehensive and multidimensional advisory services to clients within the defense sector. This includes offering legal counsel and representation in the establishment of joint venture entities, as well as facilitating mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions within the specialized regulatory domain of this industry. Furthermore, our expertise extends to guiding clients in matters related to operational and commercial expansion. This encompasses advising, negotiating, and drafting various agreements such as offset arrangements, licensing contracts, supply contracts, training agreements, sourcing arrangements, transfer of technology agreements, and production contracts with other entities operating within this sector, including Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). We have had the privilege of assisting numerous private sector entities and governmental organizations in these matters.

In addition to our transactional and commercial proficiency, our firm excels in providing nuanced guidance on the complex regulatory intricacies and structural challenges that are distinctive to the defense sector. This includes addressing issues pertaining to offset obligations, the implementation of Request for Proposals (RFP) processes, the structuring of foreign investments in the defense and ancillary sectors, as well as other aspects emanating from India’s Defence Procurement Policy, as revised from time to time. Our ability to extend comprehensive support to our clients extends to dispute resolution as well, encompassing the formulation of litigation strategies, the preparation of pleadings, and the representation of clients before relevant judicial and arbitral authorities. Our extensive experience and global perspective enable us to adeptly navigate the intricate, multi-jurisdictional disputes that frequently arise in the defense sector.

To provide comprehensive legal services to our clients, we work closely with our Corporate and M&A team, the Regulatory team, and the Disputes team. This collaborative approach ensures that our clients receive holistic support throughout the lifetime of their projects in India.