India has long been seen as a market for global products. From consumer electronics to defense systems, many items labeled as “Made in India” are often assembled here while their critical technology and design remain foreign. The Make in India initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 September 2014, sought to change this narrative by encouraging not just assembly but full-scale domestic manufacturing. Over the years, the conversation has evolved further, moving from “Made in India” to “Designed & Developed in India”, particularly in strategic sectors like defense.
This blog explores why moving beyond assembly matters, the differences between assembled, made, and designed & developed products, and the advantages of indigenous design in defense procurements. We also highlight how Tecknotrove, a 100% Made in India company since inception, exemplifies these principles.
Understanding the Differences: Assembled, Made, and Designed & Developed in India
It is essential to distinguish between three terms often used interchangeably: Assembled in India, Made in India, and Designed & Developed in India.
Assembled in India
Products labeled as assembled are put together in India, but the components, intellectual property, and design are sourced from abroad. While assembly generates employment, it does not contribute to research and development, design ownership, or technological independence.
Made in India
Made in India indicates that a product is manufactured in India. The components may still be partially imported, but the assembly, quality control, and final manufacturing are local. Companies following this model contribute more to the domestic economy, yet may still rely on external intellectual property or licensed technologies.
Designed & Developed in India
This is the highest level of indigenous capability. Products are conceived, designed, prototyped, and manufactured entirely in India. The differences from the previous two categories are significant:
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): The country retains full ownership of the design and technology.
- Design Ownership: All engineering, prototyping, and innovation are indigenous.
- Licenses and Scope: No dependency on foreign licenses or approvals.
- Research & Development Capability: Continuous improvements, upgrades, and innovations can be carried out independently.
In defense, this distinction is critical. Systems designed and developed domestically allow India to maintain operational sovereignty, integrate technologies freely, and tailor solutions to its specific requirements.
Advantages of Indigenous Design and Development in Defense
Moving beyond assembly lines has several strategic and operational advantages.
- Autonomy and Operational Freedom
When products are fully designed and developed in India, the armed forces can deploy, modify, and upgrade systems without seeking foreign approvals. This autonomy is vital in rapidly changing operational environments.
- No Dependence on Third Countries or Companies
Indigenous systems reduce dependency on external vendors for spare parts, upgrades, or software patches. This ensures continuity of operations and reduces vulnerabilities to geopolitical changes.
- Complete Lifecycle Support and Upgradeability
Designed & Developed in India systems allow for full lifecycle management, including:
- Regular upgrades and performance enhancements
- Integration with other weapons or control systems
- Rapid field-level troubleshooting and modification
- Access to Source Codes for Integration
In modern defense systems, software integration is as critical as hardware. Indigenous development provides access to source codes, enabling seamless integration with other platforms such as UAVs, radar systems, and command-control networks.
- Tailoring Products for Specific Units and Formations
Indian forces have unique operational requirements based on terrain, climate, and mission type. Indigenous systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of infantry, armored, or specialized units, ensuring better operational effectiveness.
- Protection Against Malicious Codes and Cyber Threats
Foreign-designed systems may carry vulnerabilities or hidden malicious codes. Designing systems in India ensures security against cyber threats, providing confidence in sensitive defense operations.
- Cost Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
While the upfront cost of indigenous design may be higher, total cost of ownership is often lower due to reduced reliance on imports, local maintenance, and the ability to upgrade systems over time.
Tecknotrove: A Case Study in Indigenous Manufacturing
Tecknotrove is a rare example of a company that has embraced the principles of Made in India and Designed & Developed in India since its inception. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures simulators entirely in India, covering the complete lifecycle from concept to delivery.
By doing so, Tecknotrove ensures that its products:
- Are tailored to the operational requirements of Indian defense personnel
- Offer full access to source codes for integration with other platforms
- Provide local lifecycle support and upgradeability
- Contribute to national self-reliance in defense technology
For over a decade, Tecknotrove has demonstrated that fully indigenous innovation is not only feasible but also commercially viable. The company’s commitment aligns perfectly with government initiatives like Make in India and upcoming projects such as Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Opportunities for Indigenous Development
On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Modi announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India’s multi-layered air and missile defense shield. Unlike many defense procurements that rely on imports or licensed technologies, Sudarshan Chakra is being designed and developed entirely in India.
The recent maiden test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) demonstrated India’s capability to neutralize multiple aerial threats simultaneously using a combination of Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles, Very Short Range Air Defence Systems, and high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapons.
For companies like Tecknotrove, this initiative opens avenues to contribute to India’s defense readiness. Opportunities include:
- Developing training simulators for new defense systems
- Providing operational technologies and lifecycle support
- Customizing solutions for various defense formations
The alignment between government policy and private manufacturing expertise ensures that India’s defense ecosystem becomes more self-reliant and technologically robust.
Moving Beyond Assembly: Strategic Implications
The evolution from assembly to fully indigenous design has strategic significance beyond economics. For defense procurements, it ensures:
- Sovereign control over critical technologies
- Operational security and independence
- Flexibility to innovate and adapt systems to changing threats
- Cost-effective long-term maintenance and upgrades
Companies like Tecknotrove illustrate that indigenous innovation can thrive. By providing end-to-end design, development, and manufacturing capabilities, Tecknotrove supports the armed forces’ operational readiness while contributing to national self-reliance.
Conclusion
India’s journey from being a market to becoming a manufacturer, and now a designer and developer, is ongoing. The distinction between Assembled in India, Made in India, and Designed & Developed in India is more than just semantics. It reflects the country’s ambitions in technology, defense, and self-reliance.
For the armed forces, indigenous design means operational freedom, security, and the ability to adapt systems to real-world needs. For companies like Tecknotrove, it represents a proud commitment to truly Indian innovation.
With initiatives like Mission Sudarshan Chakra taking shape, the opportunities for indigenous manufacturers are immense. The message is clear: India’s future belongs to those who go beyond assembly lines and truly design, develop, and make products in India. Tecknotrove has been doing this for over a decade, demonstrating that it is possible to be 100% Made in India, always and forever.
