India’s MoD simplified defence export SOP and OGEL framework
The Ministry of Defence revised its defence export standard operating procedure (SOP) and open general export licence (OGEL) framework to reduce compliance and speed up export authorisations. Changes include dispensing with stakeholder consultation for export of non-lethal defence items to most destinations, merging three OGEL SOPs into a single unified SOP, extending OGEL validity from two to three years, expanding OGEL country coverage to all except negative/sensitive and UN-sanctioned/embargoed nations, and enabling eligible exporters to self-generate authorisations for multiple consignments under OGEL.
It reduces recurring paperwork and approval cycles for eligible defence exporters, which can shorten timelines for Indian firms to supply international orders while retaining safeguards for sensitive destinations and items.