Competitiveness in India’s Defence Industry Ecosystem: An Analysis

India has undertaken multi-pronged reforms to achieve self-reliance in defence sector. It has gained momentum based on the success of the indigenous weapon system during Operation SINDOOR. However, creating an ecosystem for defence industrialisation or indigenisation is an arduous and protracted journey. It calls for constant review of the system and dynamic formulation of strategies. This article attempts to assess the competitiveness of the defence industry ecosystem in India by using Porter’s Diamond Model. It emerges that India is moving in fast-track mode to promote indigenous development and manufacturing of defence products and achieve atmanirbharta or self-reliance. The analysis also discusses the ‘Way-Ahead’ to maintain momentum for indigenisation and ensure the competitive advantage of the Indian defence industry.