India’s defence manufacturing industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, marked by increasing self-reliance, global ambitions, and collaborative innovation, as highlighted by top executives at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025.

The discussion, featuring Boeing Defence India Managing Director Nikhil Joshi, Pratt & Whitney Vice President and Country Head Ashish Saraf, and Adani Defence and Aerospace Joint President Ashok Wadhawan, underscored the complex ecosystem necessary for sustainable growth in aerospace and defence.

Central to their arguments was the dual nature of India’s vision—embracing Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) while positioning itself as a competitive manufacturing and export hub.

Nikhil Joshi of Boeing Defence India addressed the multifaceted challenges posed by steep US tariffs and shifting geopolitical pressures. Tariffs, he acknowledged, remain an ever-present obstacle, both now and in future scenarios.

Nevertheless, Boeing Defence India emphasises a long-term commitment to the Indian market, drawing from a legacy of more than eight decades in the country and a workforce directly and indirectly supporting over 20,000 jobs.

Joshi referenced the joint collaborative statement made earlier this year by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining mutual synergies—American engineering excellence paired with India’s abundant technical talent. These synergies form the backbone of sustainable, mutually beneficial collaboration in defence manufacturing.

Joshi further illuminated Boeing’s deep integration into India’s defence ecosystem. Legally registered and operational in India, Boeing Defence India functions in direct support of the nation’s war fighters, participating in critical operations such as Operation Sindoor.

Although most manufacturing and engineering investments remain US-centric in the short term, Boeing is dedicated to growing its Indian operations, steadily augmenting local sourcing, manufacturing, and research & development. These actions demonstrate Boeing’s unwavering intent to solidify its presence and build durable, resilient capabilities tailored to India’s defence needs.

Adani Defence and Aerospace, according to Ashok Wadhawan, is prioritising capability building for both domestic and international markets, with a futuristic approach to technology acquisition and partnerships. Wadhawan highlighted “loitering munitions” as an example of forward-thinking technology brought to India before it gained widespread recognition.

Adani’s decade-long journey focuses on technological advancement in India, striving for rapid capability development without redundant reinvention—a testament to their ambition to serve both national and global defence demands.

Ashish Saraf of Pratt & Whitney challenged the notion that “import” is inherently negative in the context of defence manufacturing. Saraf stressed that pragmatic utilisation and enrichment of imported technology are vital to ecosystem growth, rather than blanket import restrictions.

He pointed out India’s remarkable evolution in supply chain capability and certification over the past fifteen years—a transformation enabled by significant capital investments from global players such as RTX and Pratt & Whitney themselves.

India’s supply chain, once constrained by investment limitations, has today expanded so rapidly that even billion-dollar investments feel insubstantial, illustrating the country’s ascent as a major defence manufacturing hub.

Saraf also acknowledged pivotal contributions from conglomerates like Adani, whose exponential growth in the past seven years exemplifies the industry’s upward trajectory.

The NDTV Defence Summit 2025 cast a spotlight on India’s defence manufacturing sector, drawing attention to the confluence of technology, capital, and strategic partnerships.

Each leader showcased unique but complementary views: While tariffs and shifting geopolitics create challenges, sustained investments, local innovation, and cross-border collaboration are steadily propelling India towards its dual goals of self-reliance and global competitiveness.

The sector’s rapid advancement—from the successful export of BrahMos missiles to the growth of major supply chains—serves as evidence of India’s emergence as both a manufacturer and a global exporter in the aerospace and defence landscape.

Based On NDTV Report