New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities as the cornerstone of India’s security and long-term peace, in his address at the inaugural session of the Defence Partnership Days in New Delhi today. The event, which brought together key government and industry stakeholders, was jointly organized by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies and Indian Military Review.
In his opening remarks, General Chauhan stated, “Today, India is at the centre stage of global optimism. We have become the fifth largest economy in the world. As we march ahead on the path of progress and prosperity, we believe that self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities are the foundations to enduring peace. India’s security landscape necessitates a robust and self-reliant defence sector.”
The event was inaugurated by General Chauhan alongside Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), who also highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence production capabilities.
General Chauhan stressed that the key to successful indigenization in the defence sector lies in a shared commitment to National Interest. He pointed out, “The whole enterprise of indigenisation will not succeed if the glue of National Interest does not bind all the elements.” His message reinforced the idea that the collective efforts of the government, industry, and defence forces must be driven by the greater good of national security.
Addressing the recent reforms in India’s defence sector, General Chauhan noted that the government had opened up the defence industry to private players, joint ventures, and foreign direct investment (FDI). However, he emphasized the need for a cultural shift within the sector, urging stakeholders to adopt the ‘4I’s – Innovative, Inventive, Indigenous, and Imaginative – as the guiding principles for the future of India’s defence manufacturing.
General Chauhan also highlighted the long-term nature of investments in defence manufacturing and research and development (R&D), noting that the returns on such investments take time to materialize. He suggested the establishment of a Defence Bank, which could offer earlier loan terms to support the growing needs of the sector. Additionally, he proposed funding projects like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) as avenues for further strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities.
The CDS called for the formulation of policies focusing on emerging technologies, including space, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum systems, and autonomous technologies. He emphasized that clear policies in these areas would guide the industry and provide a roadmap for the future of defence, aligning it with the evolving security environment.
The two-day Defence Partnership Days event features over 200 companies and 100 officers from the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, specializing in technology and procurement. The event aims to foster strategic business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings, creating opportunities for collaboration and strengthening ties between the government and industry.
In addition to the discussions, an exhibition by 75 companies is being organized to showcase cutting-edge products and solutions that will help build India’s defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Defence Partnership Days serve as a vital platform for accelerating India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence production, marking an important step in the nation’s quest for a secure and prosperous future.
