<h1>Research-driven indigenisation must move beyond components to strategic design and manufacture, boosting domestic semiconductor leadership.</h1> Authentic, practical research must be prioritised over superficial efforts and directed to change ground realities. Indigenisation should extend beyond basic components to encompass core materials, engines, and full design to manufacture capability. Corporates must adopt mission level R&D commitments, increase patent level contributions, and support startups. BEL is urged to lead the semiconductor ecosystem while education policy must promote innovation and skill orientation so domestic talent fuels technology commercialisation and reduced dependence on government employment.