At the Forces First Conclave 2025, Baba N Kalyani, Chairman and MD of Bharat Forge, underscored the urgent need for self-reliance in India’s defense sector amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. He asserted that becoming ‘Aatmanirbhar’ is crucial for survival, advocating for swift modernization timelines of 18-24 months instead of lengthy programs, and emphasized that true self-reliance involves cultivating internal capabilities rather than merely reducing imports. Kalyani highlighted the global trend of weaponization in trade, technology, and finance, contending that India’s growth hinges on its domestic production capacity. This perspective reinforces the significance of strengthening India’s defense industrial base, ensuring national security, and enhancing global competitiveness.