“Top Talent Leaving India, We’re Not Getting the Best Anymore,” Warns IAF Chief Amar Preet Singh
IAF Chief Amar Preet Singh says India is losing top defence minds to foreign countries; urges better pay, faster defence manufacturing, and real support for innovation.
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India’s Brightest Minds Are Leaving – IAF Chief Raises the Alarm
At the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh made a statement that turned heads. He said something many in the defence and tech sectors have been quietly worried about: “We are not getting the best people for the job anymore.”
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The reason?
India’s top talent especially in defence research and innovation is leaving for better opportunities abroad. And the country isn’t doing enough to stop it.
‘Pay Them Better. Give Them a Reason to Stay.’
The Air Force Chief didn’t hold back. He made it clear that money matters, and so does work culture. “Yes, environment matters most, but some good incentives and better pay can help bring the best minds back,” Singh said.He pointed out that talented Indian professionals are choosing other countries because they get more respect, better salaries, and faster growth.
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Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the mission proved India’s forces are ready , but what about the tools? “We need to be future-ready now. What we need today cannot wait for tomorrow.”
He warned that defence projects in India are often delayed, with timelines rarely met. Without naming names, he seemed to hint at delays in projects like the Tejas Mk1A jet. “Why promise what you can’t deliver?” he asked.
Build, Design, and Trust Indian Industry
Singh pushed for deeper trust between the armed forces and private industry, urging the government and companies to focus not just on “Producing in India,” but also designing in India.
He also praised the decision to allow private sector entry into the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program, calling it a “big step” towards self-reliance.
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Quoting the Sikh tradition of Daswant, he said: “10% of our earnings should go back to society. Let some of that go to R&D and national defence.”
His message was clear, if India doesn’t act now, we risk losing our best and brightest forever.
