NEW DELHI: The second edition of the ‘MSME Conclave 2021’ concluded on December 4, 2021. The conclave, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence in partnership with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) aimed to bring Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into the defence supply chain and thereby boost the self-reliance of the country in defence, and also contribute towards the burgeoning defence exports market. It was held as a hybrid conference keeping safety protocols in consideration.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest-Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, called upon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to invest more in research & development and manufacture new products & technologies and thereby contribute to the security and progress of the country. He further urged MSMEs and SIDM to create an industrial base in India, on the lines of ‘Mittelstand’ (Mittel-Stunt) of Germany, which has been recognised by the whole world for manufacturing metal equipment. He described MSMEs as the backbone of the industry which is equally responsible for not only economic activities but also social development.
The Defence Minister lauded SIDM for actively working with the Government to promote private sector participation in defence manufacturing, saying that it is playing an important role by informing the industries about the initiatives of the Government, apprising the Ministry of their views and providing valuable suggestions in new policies being made. He said, the growth and ever-expanding reach of SIDM reflect the growth of the Indian defence industry. He hoped that this Conclave would provide them with newer growth opportunities.
Jayant Patil, President, SIDM, in his opening remarks, reiterated SIDM’s commitment towards supporting MSMEs and facilitating their growth. “In the last 6 – 7 years, there has been a complete metamorphosis in the Defence Industry wherein indigenous content has doubled,” he said. He added that with recent reforms the Industry can have 80 – 85% indigenous content in the next 3 – 4 years. He stated that MSMEs are the backbone of the defence industry as it generates 50% of revenue for large companies.
SP Shukla, Vice President, SIDM remarked that MSME’s have given most innovations to the world and that MSMEs along with large companies together will make the defence sector a thriving sector.
Sunil Kumar Misra, Director General, SIDM highlighted that the first MSME Conclave was held virtually in 2020 and that the event’s result is being seen today with many MSMEs getting involved in the Defence sector.
Subsequent sessions were held on Make Procedures, SRIJAN Portal, Defence Industrial Corridors, Banking Mechanisms for MSMEs and Procurement Reforms where senior officials from the Services, Ministry of Defence and Industry gave their perspectives. The Conference was attended by 100+ Physical delegates and 150+ virtual delegates.
