Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today held consultations with representatives of chambers of commerce and industry on the proposed Strategic Partnership model in New Delhi. <br/><br/>The proposed model is intended to increase efficiencies, absorption of technology, create a tiered industrial ecosystem, develop a wider skill base, trigger innovation and promote exports. An official release said, it would gradually ensure greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies essential to meet national security objectives. <br/><br/>The Ministry is working towards institutionalising a transparent, objective and functional mechanism to encourage broader participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing under the Make in India framework.<br/><br/>Industry representatives welcomed the efforts of the Ministry to put in place such a framework and offered several positive and constructive suggestions. The Ministry has taken due note of these proposals, which would be considered while finalising the policy in this regard.