During the inaugural session of the three-day North Tech Symposium organized by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's readiness in the face of evolving warfare dynamics.
Singh praised the defense forces and the industry for their thorough analysis of changing circumstances, ensuring India's preparedness in the modern era of technological revolution. He cited Operation Sindoor as a testament to India's ability to understand and deploy advanced technology confidently.
Operation Sindoor showcased India's prowess through the use of cutting-edge indigenous equipment like the Akashteer, Akash missile system, and BrahMos missiles, demonstrating the country's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in warfare.
Speaking about the rapid rate of technological change in modern-day warfare, Rajnath Singh highlighted the shift from traditional tanks and missiles to game-changing drones and sensors, drawing parallels with the Russia-Ukraine conflict's transformation over a span of just a few years.
Singh stressed the importance of being proactive and building capabilities for launching unexpected strikes when necessary, underscoring the need for continuous research and iovation to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of warfare.
Rajnath Singh reiterated the government's focus on defense research, mentioning the implementation of a new Transfer of Technology policy that aims to enhance collaboration with development and production partners. The waiver of earlier fees for technology transfer is set to boost industry participation and iovation in defense technology.
DRDO's initiatives, including granting free access to patents for Indian industries and opening up testing facilities for research and development support, signify a significant step towards enhancing India's technological capabilities and global competitiveness.
Highlighting the launch of defense-related infrastructure projects in Uttar Pradesh, such as the Defence Industrial Corridor, Rajnath Singh mentioned the growing interest of foreign companies in collaborating with Indian defense firms, as witnessed during his recent visit to Germany.
The event also saw General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Central Command, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, and GOC-in-C of Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, addressing the audience alongside over 280 companies showcasing their latest iovations and technologies.
Amrita Nayak Dutta, a seasoned journalist covering defense and national security, provided insights into the symposium, shedding light on India's advancements in defense technology and the collaborative efforts shaping the country's defense landscape.
As India continues to prioritize technological advancements in warfare, initiatives like the Transfer of Technology policy and collaborations with industry partners are set to propel the country towards greater self-reliance and competitiveness in the global defense arena.
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