India has ordered its 4,000 military shops to stop buying imported goods, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. India’s defense canteens sell liquor, electronics, and other goods at discounted prices to soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families. With annual sales of over $2 billion, they make up one of the largest retail chains in India.
The Oct. 19 internal order from the defense ministry, reviewed by Reuters, said that in the future, “procurement of directly imported items shall not be undertaken”.
The order said the issue had been discussed with the army, air force, and navy in May and July, and was aimed at supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign to promote domestic goods.
The order did not specify which products would be targeted. However, industry sources said they believed imported liquor could be on the list.
India has in recent months taken steps to curb Chinese businesses and investments following a border clash.
