India is advancing its ambitions in aerospace R&D by pursuing joint ventures (JVs) with global partners, notably a forthcoming $7 billion Indo-French collaboration with Safran Aircraft Engines to develop a 120 kN thrust engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2. While proponents argue that such partnerships will expedite development and embed advanced practices, critics express concerns over dependency and the limitations of technology transfer, citing the historical challenges faced during past collaborations. A dual-track strategy of indigenous development alongside foreign cooperation aims to mitigate these issues, but systemic underfunding and a talent exodus pose significant hurdles. This discourse underscores the urgency for India to enhance its R&D ecosystem to ensure sustainable progress in high-stakes aerospace technologies, crucial for maintaining defense readiness amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.