India's defence sector leaders discuss tech ownership.
India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem is experiencing a significant shift, with increased domestic procurement, stronger MSME integration, and key policy reforms driving growth. At the ET DefTech Summit 2026, industry leaders and policymakers convened to discuss strategies for enhancing India’s defence capabilities.
Garima Bhagat of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the pivotal role the private sector is now playing in boosting India’s defence exports. This marks a notable change from previous years, where public sector undertakings dominated the export landscape.
Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia emphasized the need to move beyond mere incremental indigenization. He advocated for achieving full technological ownership to enhance lifecycle capabilities and reduce dependence on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This strategic shift is essential for India to achieve true strategic autonomy in its defence sector.
The discussions at the summit underscored the importance of fostering a robust domestic defence industry capable of not only meeting India’s security needs but also competing in the global market. The focus on technology ownership reflects a long-term vision to establish India as a self-reliant defence powerhouse.
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