Drone Expo Week in Delhi Shows the Gap: The Payload Layer Is Still Being Smuggled In

As the eighth Drone Expo ran at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi (28-30 September 2026), showcasing Indian UAV makers and component suppliers, customs at Delhi airport announced the seizure of 10 professional-grade drones worth Rs 1.03 crore, fitted with thermal imaging and laser range finders and flown in from Hong Kong via Vietnam. The juxtaposition is the signal: India can assemble airframes at scale, but demand for high-end sensor payloads is still being met through grey imports.