The CEOs’ Round-Table at Aero India 2025 convened industry executives from domestic and international aerospace and defense companies to discuss investment opportunities, policy reforms, and strategies for expanding manufacturing operations in India.
The event, held at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, included representatives from private defense firms, public sector undertakings, and multinational corporations engaged in the aerospace sector. Discussions focused on aligning business strategies with recent policy reforms, supply chain development, and increasing domestic production capabilities.
One of the central themes was indigenization in aerospace manufacturing. Company executives explored options for establishing manufacturing units in India, technology transfers, and potential partnerships with local firms. The deliberations also addressed policy initiatives designed to enhance the ease of doing business and streamline regulatory approvals for foreign investments in defense production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “To further enhance ease of doing business, Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to the Aerospace and Defence sector for setting up 6 to 8 greenfield Testing and Certification facilities. The Defence Exim Portal has made the export authorization process seamless. As a testimony to emergence of India as a Defence export nucleus, India has seen 31 times growth in the export of Defence products in the last 10 years as compared to Financial Year 2013-14.”
Industry participants discussed the implications of the current procurement framework and potential modifications required to attract additional investments. Specific details on new agreements, production capacities, or investment figures were not disclosed during the discussions.
The CEOs’ Round-Table is a recurring platform at Aero India, aimed at facilitating dialogue between government stakeholders and industry representatives on the future of defense and aerospace manufacturing in India.