ET WLF 2026: Private players discuss India’s path from defence importer to global power
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How it spread - 4 original reports
Sat, 22 August 2026
1 report- indiatimes.com12:43first to report
Indian defence sector leaders highlight the need for stronger funding and indigenous innovation. Private players are at a turning point, seeking to develop products in India. Leaders stressed that licensed technology and transfers are not sustainable solutions. Owning sovereign intellectual property is seen as the path to improvement. Preference should be given to private sector emulation capabilities for national interest.
Sun, 23 August 2026
2 reports- indiatimes.com20:06
Amidst ongoing discussions in Indian defense, leaders emphasize the importance of fostering indigenous intellectual property and scalable production capabilities. The sector is eager to play a larger role in sophisticated weaponry while enhancing export opportunities. Private enterprises are showcasing their proficiency in intricate systems, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.
- indiatimes.com20:16
The eclectic set of panelists included IHCL MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal, Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer, Amul MD Jayen Mehta, and Casagrand founder and MD Arun Mn. They discussed the forces shaping the of the Indian consumers' evolution in the session moderated by ET's Sonali Krishna.
Tue, 25 August 2026
1 report- indiatimes.com19:30
The defence ministry approved technology transfer for DRDO conventional missile systems. This move opens production to the private sector, ending public sector dominance. Private firms can now produce systems at scale and offer tailored advanced variants. This policy aims to reduce import dependence and increase domestic value. It will also support the growth of India's defence manufacturing sector.