'THE RIGHT COLLABORATION CAN ACCELERATE INDIA'S DEFENCE PROGRAMMES AND BUILD STRATEGIC CAPABILITY'

Rolls-Royce is well-positioned to support such a collaboration with its ecosystem of strategic local partnerships, strong supply chain, rich talent pool, digital solutions and service delivery capabilities in India.

- ALEX ZINO

INDIGENISATION IN DEFENCE IS CRITICAL FOR ACHIEVING self-reliance and developing capabilities within the country. India has already taken several steps towards the creation of a domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem with the support of the private sector and global partners.

The evolution of its indigenisation policy towards co-development and co-production in partnership with global companies has also provided the much-needed impetus to the growth of the local defence industry. With geopolitical and economic crises affecting world stability, a robust and self-reliant defence ecosystem will help develop India's strategic capability, boost manufacturing and exports as well as contribute to economic and security resilience.

While efforts in this direction have been significant, India can accelerate its progression towards critical technology development and ownership through programmes that will lead to the creation of technological capabilities within the country. This will ensure long-term benefits and opportunities for further customisation and exports.