India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is advocating for increased financial and staffing autonomy similar to that of its global counterparts to enhance oversight of the rapidly growing aviation sector. Currently operating with limited resources and having filled only half of its technical positions, the DGCA faces challenges in maintaining safety standards, particularly highlighted by a recent Air India crash. With Indian airlines ordering over 1,300 new aircraft, the regulator’s workload is set to rise, necessitating better funding and training programs to develop qualified inspectors. This push for autonomy underscores the urgency for India to strengthen regulatory frameworks in order to sustain its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.