This paper reports the findings of a survey to study the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing sector. The paper conceptualizes these findings in terms of priorities of Indian manufacturing firms, the programmes that they undertake to reach their objectives, and the outcome or the performance of these firms. We also present some international comparisons based on a similar study done in the USA. The paper highlights the role of innovation and supply chain management, as a part of any robust manufacturing strategy, in developing world class operations.