Question : Policy for Use of UAVs

(a) whether the import of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)/drones &
related equipment from foreign countries is banned by the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the details and the reasons for the seized drones and their equipment by the Government, so far;

(d) whether the Government has prepared/issued or proposed to prepare/issue specified guidelines/policy for the regulation of use of UAVs or drones for the civil and military purposes, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government has evaluated the safety and security concerns before granting permission for the use of UAVs for non-military purposes and if so, the details thereof?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a) & (b) Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not banned import of UAVs/drones and related equipment from foreign countries.;

(c) DGCA has no power to seize any drones and/or their equipment.;

(d) & (e) Draft guidelines for operations of UAVs or drones for civil use have been prepared by DGCA and comments of various stakeholders on the same have been called for. DGCA has currently restricted civil use of drones by Non-Governmental agencies, organisations and individuals
vide public notice dated 07.10.2014. This is available in DGCA''s websit (www.dgca.nic.in). The use of UAVs by Government organisations has not been restricted by this public notice.