‘Imports Can Never Be Fully Eliminated’: Defence Secretary on Make in India

The Government is committed to minimizing import dependency through ‘Make in India’ initiatives but it has never been completely eliminated, Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Mr. Singh was speaking at the signing event of the MoU between Adani Defense & Aerospace and Italian aerospace giant Leonardo in New Delhi to establish an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.

He also said that the Government of India’s vision of self-reliance in defense production is not limited to reducing import dependency. It aims to build resilient, globally competitive industrial capabilities within the country, in partnership with friendly foreign countries. At the same time, the concept of self-sufficiency must be viewed realistically; It cannot be achieved overnight and does not imply absolute or 100% autonomy, which is neither practical nor necessary.

“What India can do is gradually expand the scope of Make in India to minimize import dependency – but it can never be completely eliminated. This has led to a false dichotomy in the India debate that one must either import or rely solely on domestic design and manufacturing,” Mr. Singh said.

“In reality, there is a broad continuum. This includes calibrated technology transfers and domestic production in regions where India has the necessary scale and capability. The rotary wing aviation segment is an example where significant production and value addition can be realized within the country.”

The merger between Adani Group and Italian leader Leonardo is expected to meet military demands and increase India’s self-confidence in helicopter production.

In a statement from the Adani group, it is stated that the collaboration, targeting the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces (especially for Leonardo’s advanced AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters), will enable phased indigenization, create robust maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and offer comprehensive pilot training.

Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defense and Aviation, said: “This alliance with Leonardo is a significant step towards a resilient, future-ready helicopter ecosystem in India. By combining global excellence with our industrial momentum, we will deliver lasting value, high-skill employment and alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aviation powerhouse.”

The statement stated that the partnership will establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India that meets increasing military demands and pushes the country to become self-sufficient in helicopter production.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, confirmed: “We are delighted to join forces with Adani to contribute to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role for the rotorcraft industry and ensure the country has access to the modern technology and operational capacity it deserves. We look forward to making progress in this endeavor by leveraging our complementary expertise to deliver the best solutions.”

Adani Defense & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi added: “With the Indian Armed Forces forecasting demand for 1,000+ helicopters in the next decade, this partnership realizes our vision of sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenization, strengthen supply chains and establish India as a world-class manufacturing base.”