Government is working towards progressively reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers and developing the defence capabilities indigenously. <br/><br/>Addressing a function in New Delhi, Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre said, the Centre has included a new category in the Defence Procurement Procedure. <br/><br/>He said, it will be the most preferred category for procurement and is expected to promote indigenously designed products and bring significant investment in defence R&D. <br/><br/>Dr Bhamre informed that the government has been working on formulating a strategic partnership model for creating capacity in the private industry on a long term basis. He said, it had constituted a task force with experts to recommend criteria and prescribe methodology for selection of Strategic Partners. <br/><br/>Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said the modernisation plan of the IAF is being pursued with an aim to give impetus to 'Make in India' and to beef up the defence manufacturing base. <br/><br/>He said the Air Force is keen to see that 'Make in India' initiative gets converted to a reality.