Cleared for take-off: New rules kick in for operating drones in India

The rules will replace the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021, which came into effect in March this year

India on Thursday announced new regulations for operating drones, bringing down compliance burden by shortening the approval process, allowing self-certification, and reducing documentation.

The rules will replace the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021, which came into effect only in March this year. The requirement of a new set of rules was felt after industry said the existing rules were tough to follow for drone companies, many of which are new-age start-ups.

“The new drone rules usher in a landmark moment for this sector in India. The rules are based on the premise of trust and self-certification. Approvals, compliance requirements, and entry barriers