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

The Government is committed to minimising import dependence through ‘Make in India’ initiatives, although it has never be entirely eliminated, said Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).

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

He further said that the Government of India’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing is not limited to reducing import dependence. It seeks to build resilient, globally competitive industrial capabilities within the country, in partnership with friendly foreign nations. At the same time, the concept of self-reliance must be viewed realistically — it cannot be achieved overnight, nor does it imply absolute or 100% autonomy, which is neither practical nor necessary.

“What India can do is progressively expand the scope of Make in India to minimise import dependence — though it can never be eliminated entirely. This has led to a false duality in the Indian debate that one must either import or rely exclusively on indigenous design and manufacturing,” said Mr. Singh.

“In reality, there is a broad continuum in between. This includes calibrated technology transfers and domestic production in areas where India has the necessary scale and capability. The rotary-wing aviation segment is a case in point, where significant levels of production and value addition can be undertaken within the country,” he added.

The tie-up between Adani Group and Italian major Leonardo is expected to address military demands and boost India’s self-reliance in helicopter production.

A release from Adani group reads that targeting the Indian Armed Forces’ operational requirements — particularly for Leonardo’s advanced AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters — the collaboration will enable phased indigenisation, establish robust maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and deliver comprehensive pilot training.

Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, said, “This alliance with Leonardo is a pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India. Merging global excellence with our industrial momentum, we will drive enduring value, high-skill employment, and alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aerospace powerhouse.”

The partnership will establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, addressing surging military demands and propelling the nation toward self-reliance in helicopter production, reads the release.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters, affirmed: “We’re extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to provide our contribution to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role of their rotorcraft industry, and to enable the country to access the level of modern technology and operational capability it deserves. We look forward to making progress in this endeavour, leveraging our complementary expertise to deliver the best solutions.”

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace, added: “With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realizes our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenization, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base.”