As India accelerates defence modernisation, it faces the twin challenge of achieving technological self-reliance while adapting to an era defined by hybrid and multi-domain warfare. Despite the push for indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat and record defence production, critical dependencies still persist.

Simultaneously, the nature of warfare itself is shifting from AI-enabled command systems and autonomous drones to cyber, space, and information operations. Within this evolving threat landscape, India’s expanding defence cooperation through the minilateral, trilateral and bilateral ties must balance deterrence and diplomacy. This session will explore how India can sustain the momentum of modernisation, deepen strategic partnerships, and build a resilient, self-reliant military ecosystem fit for the realities of 21st-century warfare.

• How can we ensure that India’s defence sector moves toward genuine indigenous innovation, self-reliance, and global competitiveness?
• How can India deepen defence cooperation with major partners without compromising strategic autonomy or becoming entangled in competing security blocs?
• What would a truly future-ready Indian defence ecosystem look like by 2030 - technologically advanced and diplomatically agile?
• What institutional reforms are needed to get there?

Moderator

M. Matheswaran, Founder President, Peninsula Foundation, Tamil Nadu

Speakers

Anil Golani, Director General, Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies, New Delhi

Ruhee Neog, Security and Foreign Policy Analyst, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi

RPS Bhadauria, Additional Director General, Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi

Nitin Gokhale, Founder, Bharat Shakti, New Delhi