For decades, jugaad, India's celebrated knack for frugal improvisation, has been romanticised as a symbol of ingenuity and Indian creativity. It has produced clever fixes, grassroots innovations and occasionally breakthrough ideas. But in the unforgiving arena of global manufacturing, jugaad is no longer a strength.
India today stands at a critical inflection point. Global buyers are not charmed by improvisation. They demand zero defect, reliability and consistency. Without these, 'Made in India' will never command the premium trust that global supply chains require.
