French aerospace firm Safran has proposed to establish an engine manufacturing ecosystem in India for the Tejas Mk-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), enhancing India’s defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This initiative arrives amid ongoing India-US trade discussions, where the GE F-414 engine agreement remains pivotal for the Tejas Mk-2, with technology transfer negotiations progressing between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. While Safran’s proposal introduces a competitive angle, it does not replace the existing collaboration with GE, which is essential for the project’s timeline. The broader implications of this development highlight India’s strategic intent to bolster indigenous defense capabilities while navigating international partnerships effectively.