At the Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Summit held at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, key stakeholders emphasized the necessity of self-reliance in India’s defense sector through collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and research institutions. BrahMos Director-General Jaiteerth R Joshi highlighted indigenisation as essential for India’s defense transformation, advocating for a shift from production-driven to technology-centric approaches. Bharat Electronics Limited Chairman Manoj Jain called for mental and organizational shifts towards self-reliance, acknowledging the need for significant investment and cooperation across sectors. Boeing India’s Salil Gupte noted that this shift offers new opportunities amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes. The consensus underscored that India’s defense autonomy hinges on sustained partnerships, shared innovation, and stable policy frameworks that align with national strategic objectives.