A group of Indian-origin aerospace engineers working abroad has renewed calls for policy reforms to allow their seamless integration into India’s indigenous jet engine programs. Over the past three days, experts have highlighted that these experienced engineers face major roadblocks due to the requirement of entry-level competitive exams, which do not account for their global expertise in advanced propulsion technologies. The latest discussions were prompted by advocacy from noted former advisers to India’s National Security Advisory Board, urging the government to urgently institute a new recruitment pathway that recognizes overseas professional experience. The proposal was initially brought forward in early 2025 during stakeholder meetings involving officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment, and academic leaders. The demand has grown more pressing as India pursues self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, particularly with critical milestones such as flight trials for the Kaveri derivative engine and expanded hiring in the AMCA and Ghatak programs set for later in 2025. Industry insiders emphasize that leveraging the expertise of the global Indian engineering diaspora could significantly accelerate progress toward India’s strategic aerospace autonomy.