New Delhi. The second day of the 22nd India International Security Expo 2019 witnessed a large number of participants from the Centre, and State Governments, delegates from 12 countries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, state police, among others, along with significant participation from industry stakeholders from across the world.
Numerous sessions were organized during the day two of India International Security Expo, 2019. The sessions were on – Modernisation and Sustenance Requirements of Indian Navy; Investments in Aerospace and Defence; Session on Aerospace & Defence – Invest India; Defence Industrial Corridors, among others.
Modernization and Sustenance Requirements of Indian Navy –
Major General Rajesh Arya emphasized on the modern and sustenance requirements of the India Navy and therefore investments should be encouraged in technologies for the growth of Indian Navy in the coming times.
Rear Admiral Sanjay Misra, VSM, Director General, Directorate General of Naval Armament and Inspection, highlighted the requirements of arms and defence equipments of the country and urged industry to participate in the manufacturing process and suggested technology adoption will go a long way in meeting the needs of defence sector.
Rear Admiral G.K. Harish, VSM, Director General, Directorate of Naval Design (SSG), in his remarks suggested to enhance indigenization and a plethora of opportunities are available for private sector in Indian Navy. Going forward, strengthening research and development to develop green ships will contribute to the growth of Indian Navy.
Cmde Mukesh Bhargava, Member of Board, L&T Defence and Vice President, Larsen &Tourbo, said that the India is being given pioneering status for deep seabed mining. India has also emerged as a global centre gravity in the maritime domain. Furthermore, India has led the way by shifting from “Can Do” to “Yes, we did it” through indigenization.
Session on Invest India Aerospace & Defence –
AVM Suresh Singh AVSM VSM (Retd), said that this is the right time for global investors and private players to invest in the Indian defence sector. “I hope that while achieving USD 5 trillion economy, USD 20 million will come from defence manufacturing alone,” he said.
AVM S Ramakrishnan, VSM, ACAS (MP), Indian Air Force, said that the defence procedure was revised last in 2016 and a strategic model has been created. Innovation ecosystem for defence was launched by the Prime Minister last year to foster innovation and technology in defence.
Ms. Chandrima Sinha, Vice President, Invest India, apprised the participants about the facilitation measures provided by Invest India to encourage investments in Manufacturing sector. We conceptualized the Startup India Hub and helped them to get finance. Through AGNII we are accelerating growth of New India’s innovation.
Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridors –
Talking about the number of initiatives taken by Ministry of Defence, Rohit R P Kujur, Director, Department of Defence production, Ministry of Defence said, “Introduction of defence procurement policy 2016 makes ‘Make In India’ as the most preferred category in procurement.”
T P Rajesh, IAS, Additional Commissioner, Dept of Industries and Commerce and Managing Director of MSME Trade and Investment Promotion Bureau, said, “The MSMEs plays an important role in the growth of defence as well as the country as a whole. It will be a matter of great pride when our prestigious Army will utilize Indian-made defence equipments.”
Lt Gen Jagdeep Kumar Sharma (Retd), Senior Defence Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority, said that India cannot become a superpower if its defence industry is not strong. The Hon’ble Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh guaranteed security to investors, driving industrial confidence in UP.
B. Elangovan, Managing Director, TIDEL Park Ltd, (Nodal Agency for Promotion of Aerospace & Defence Sector in Tamil Nadu), said that the defence corridor is a new initiative of the government of India. The state of Tamil Nadu has taken several initiatives to promote aerospace and defence sector and encourage investment for the growth of defence sector in the state.
Col K V Kuber, Partner, Ernst & Young, highlighted the importance of sound military base which could be only possible if it is supported with the strong defence sector in the country.
