Is DJI Dead in India? | Current Situation of the Indian Drone Industry (October 2025)

Описание: Over the past few weeks, India’s drone community has been facing uncertainty due to major regulatory changes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially launched the eGCA Portal as a replacement for the earlier Digital Sky platform. While drone pilots can now create their profiles on eGCA, UIN (Unique Identification Number) registration for drones is currently suspended.

Previously, Digital Sky allowed users to register their drones and obtain UINs but this process has been halted. Even older UINs have been placed on hold after authorities discovered that many users had exploited a loophole in the system by registering DJI drones under the Model RPAS (Research & Development) category, something that was never intended for consumer use.

🛰 The New Draft Civil Drone Bill

On 16th September 2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation published a Draft Civil Drone Bill on its official website. The circular marks a shift toward stricter regulation and monitoring of unmanned aerial systems in India. According to officials and the Drone Federation, this move aims to improve public safety, increase police awareness, and introduce clearer penalties for violations.

However, this change has also raised questions within the drone community. Out of approximately 8,700 registered drone pilots in India, many rely heavily on DJI drones, yet there are currently no Indian-made alternatives that match DJI’s performance, features, or reliability.

⚙️ What This Means for Drone Pilots

At present, neither Digital Sky nor eGCA supports active drone registration. This means no new UINs can be obtained, and previously registered ones are effectively paused. For professionals working in aerial cinematography, surveying, or agriculture, this has caused considerable concern regarding continuity of work and future investments.

The new bill, once implemented (expected by end of 2025 or early 2026), will likely reshape how drone operations are licensed, monitored, and penalized in India. Until then, pilots are encouraged to:
• Read the draft bill carefully and understand its implications.
• Submit feedback to DGCA via the official email provided on the Ministry’s website before 15th October 2025.
• Avoid purchasing or upgrading drones until the new framework is clearly defined.

⚠️ Final Thoughts

This isn’t about favoring DJI, it’s about acknowledging the gap in domestic alternatives. Regulatory tightening is essential for safety and governance, but innovation and accessibility must evolve alongside it.

For now, stay informed, stay compliant, and most importantly, stay patient. The future of India’s drone ecosystem depends on collective awareness and constructive feedback.

🔗:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CQvs...

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