New Delhi: With a remarkable turnout, the second day of DefSat 2025 began with an enriching inaugural session featuring a keynote address by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd). Echoing the optimism, the Governor articulated a compelling vision for strengthening India’s defence and homeland security.
At DefSat 2025, India’s premier defence and space forum, the Governor in his address stated, “In 2025, we stand at a pivotal moment of transition and innovation, with technology in full bloom. The dynamics of robotics in defence are undergoing a transformation. We have entered an era where defence and space are intricately interconnected… DefSat 2025 represents our commitment to harnessing the potential of the defence space industry.”
During the session on Homeland Security, a major highlight of Day 2, experts emphasised the critical role of space technology in disaster management, border protection, and law enforcement. This is the first time at DefSat, the convergence of space technology and homeland security was highlighted, paving the way for a safer and interconnected future. Discussions also addressed the demand for advanced security technologies to protect critical infrastructure. The event reinforces the nation’s resolve to advance its defence and space modernisation agenda.
Highlighting the urgent need for millimetre wave imaging and algorithm-driven solutions to detect both metallic and non-metallic threats, Rajeev K. Sharma from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) noted, “Innovation in airport and critical infrastructure security is crucial to staying ahead of modern threats while ensuring convenience and efficiency.”
The second day of DefSat 2025 saw impactful sessions on Secure Satcom – Enhancing Military Communications and Defence Space Innovation with focus on Venture Funding and Investment Opportunities, Space Enabled Land Warfare, Non-Kinetic Space Warfare and Cyber Shield for Space. Prominent investors discussed emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Space Tech, and Cybersecurity. The forum also explored how new policies and defence initiatives are creating opportunities for both domestic and global investors.
Another major highlight of DefSat 2025, the Defence Innovation Ventures aims to kickstart partnerships with the private sector, enabling innovative defence solutions to thrive. Despite a decline in India’s space industry funding by 55% in 2024 to $59.1 million, compared to $130.2 million in 2023, the conference emphasised the need for renewed focus and targeted policies to attract global and domestic investment. In a broader context, global investments in space companies have totaled $28 billion over the past five years, while India’s space industry raised $354 million during the same period.
“India’s defence sector requires patience, strategic capital and a stronger focus on R&D to strengthen innovation and scalability. With limited innovation premiums and challenges in delivery reliability, the government alone cannot address these gaps. Primes and the private sector have to take the lead to create collaborative funding opportunities and investment in R&D. Through SIA-India, it will be a road to reach the vision of collaboration investment opportunities in R&D,” said Kriti Upadhyaya, Founder, IndUS Tech Council.
Anil Prakash, DG SIA-India, pointed out, “Long gestation periods in space innovation demand collective funding and collaboration, as it is through unified efforts that we pave the way for pioneering advancements and secure a future where satellite technology continuously shapes industries and empowers nations.”
Serving as a hub for actionable strategies, DefSat 2025 aims to transform ideas into tangible progress for India’s defence and security sectors. As the conference progresses, sessions on artificial intelligence in defence systems, strategic defence investments, and space-based technologies will continue to set the stage for impactful outcomes.
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