State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is partnering with the industry for greater indigenisation of aerospace products through the government's 'Make in India' drive, a top official of the defence behemoth said Friday.

"Public-private partnership is the need of the hour to propel the government's indigenisation efforts through its 'Make in India' drive, attract potential suppliers, and research and development (R&D) partners," HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi said in a statement here.

Noting that the Indian defence manufacturing sector was undergoing changes due to growing interest in state-run firms like HAL in the global aeronautics arena, Tyagi said the company would provide access to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for their integration in the defence supply chain.

The Confederation of Indian Industry's Karnataka chairman, Sandeep Kumar Maini, said India Inc. was committed to the growth of a vibrant domestic aerospace industrial base in the country in partnership with HAL.

The company held a two-day meeting recently with captains of the industry on 'Make in India' through public-private partnership and deliberated on import substitution, R&D investment, labour cost advantage and skill development.

"To sustain global competitiveness, create an export ecosystem and develop MSMEs as a powerhouse of innovation, building Brand India was imperative by all the stakeholders," Tyagi added.