As India accelerates its push towards defence indigenisation and self-reliance, private sector players are emerging as key enablers of a resilient manufacturing ecosystem. In this conversation with BW Businessworld, Sainyum Shah, Chief Marketing Officer at Jyoti Global Plast, highlights the company’s role in strengthening domestic supply chains, its drone strategy, and the growing relevance of Drone-as-a-Service in India’s evolving aerospace landscape.
How do you see India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem evolving at this stage?
India’s defence and aerospace sector is currently at a critical inflexion point. We are witnessing strong growth momentum, driven by the government’s focus on indigenisation, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the development of defence corridors.
There is also a clear push towards greater private-sector participation. As a result, India is transitioning from an import-dependent economy to a manufacturing and export hub for defence and aerospace.
Over the next few years, growth will be driven by advancements in drone systems, electronics, and advanced materials. Given the current geopolitical environment, this shift towards self-reliance is both timely and strategically important.
You mentioned strong growth ahead. What role will your company play in this transition?
Companies like ours play a critical role in strengthening domestic manufacturing. We focus on local production of precision components and assemblies, which helps reduce import dependence and improves supply chain reliability for larger OEMs.
Our core areas include precision manufacturing, engineering polymers, and electronic enclosures used in aerospace and defence systems.
A robust domestic supply chain will not be built by large OEMs alone; it requires specialised manufacturing firms like us to support critical processes at the shop-floor level.
Global geopolitical tensions are disrupting supply chains. Are you seeing any impact?
Yes, supply chain disruptions are likely to intensify due to the current geopolitical situation. These challenges may worsen over time.
This is precisely why the government’s push for indigenisation is crucial. By localising the manufacturing of defence components, India can reduce vulnerabilities and become more self-reliant. It is a necessary and positive step.
Over the past decade, how have government policies like Make in India impacted the sector?
There has been a consistent annual increase of around 10–15 per cent in domestic manufacturing participation, driven by rising defence procurement.
As procurement grows, it is no longer feasible to rely heavily on imports. This has pushed both large OEMs and smaller companies like ours to develop in-house manufacturing capabilities and establish domestic supply chains.
This shift over the past 10 years has been significant and foundational for the sector.
Are you currently exporting your products?
No, we are currently focused on the domestic market.
What are your strategic priorities in the coming years?
Our goal is to emerge as a major player in India’s defence and aerospace sector. While it is difficult to predict how the landscape will evolve over the next five years, we are committed to scaling our capabilities and strengthening our position in the industry.
You’ve launched Jyoti Aeronext. What is its focus, and how does it relate to the drone sector?
Jyoti Aeronext is a new joint venture focused on the civilian drone market, which remains largely untapped.
We are building a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. The idea is that many industries, such as mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure, recognise the value of drones but do not want the complexity of owning and operating them.
Through DaaS, we provide end-to-end drone solutions for applications such as mapping, agriculture, infrastructure surveys, advertising, and even building facade cleaning.
Will you be competing with other drone companies in the commercial space?
Yes, there will be competition. Many companies are active across both the defence and commercial drone segments.
However, our primary focus is on the DaaS model, targeting civilian applications. Key verticals include delivery services, aerial advertising, surveying, mapping, and infrastructure maintenance.
How are you balancing defence and commercial operations? Which is your core focus?
We have deliberately separated the two segments to maintain clarity. Jyoti Global Plast will focus on defence and aerospace manufacturing, including drone production and components. Jyoti Aeronext will focus on the DaaS model and commercial drone services.
Where are your manufacturing facilities located?
Our drone assembly operations are based in Bengaluru.
What proportion of your drones are indigenised?
Approximately 90 per cent of our drones are made in India, with only a small portion of components being imported.
Are you working with the Indian armed forces?
We are engaged in trials and provide customised drone solutions based on specific requirements from defence stakeholders. While no formal acquisitions have taken place yet, we are actively targeting the defence segment.
What is your long-term vision, including expansion?
We have also set up a new manufacturing facility in Mehsana to support our existing operations. Over the next 10–15 years, we aim to become one of the leading players in India’s defence industry. |
