New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS): Defence Minister A.K. Antony Monday called for the promotion of research and development in ordnance manufacturing to build a strong indigenous base in weaponry and ammunition.

"We need to be able to develop a strong domestic defence base," Antony said at a function to give the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence for the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

"There is a need to spend more on research and development... We need to develop best technology to keep pace with the changes... developing indigenous technology is the need of the hour," Antony said.

The defence minister also called upon the private sector to participate in ordnance manufacturing.

On similar lines, Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh said the environment had to be created for promoting research.

"We need to encourage the young scientist to do more research. R&D (research and development) can only be achieved if the right environment for it is created," Jitendra Singh said.

This year, India was the world's biggest weapons importer for the third year in a row, ahead of China which has turned into an exporter.