Seminar on Domestic Defense Industrial ecosystem
Agartala, Jan 10, 2025, PIB51
Department of Defence Production (DDP) takes initiatives to attract industries for creating Domestic Defence Industrial ecosystem, says Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, IOFS, Deputy Director General, DDP;
Tripura can play a vital role in India's defence modernization efforts, driving economic growth and employment opportunities, says Sabyasachi Debbarma, Joint Director, Industries Deptt;
MSMEs in Tripura can drive defence modernisation through innovation, technology transfer and public-private partnerships, says Rajkumar Agrawal, Vice-President, Bharat Chamber of Commerce
Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata organised a one-day awareness program on ‘Evolving Local to Focal - Focus MSME Entrepreneurs’ in partnership with the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India at Agartala on Friday.
The objective of this Awareness Session was to outline the business opportunities available to the MSMEs and enable them to become more competitive in defence manufacturing and exports. The Session was supported by Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Association of Industries and Commerce, Agartala.
In the program, Balpreet Singh, Manager, Aerospace & Defence, Ernst & Young LLP, highlighted the existing capabilities in Tripura that could be leveraged by the MSMEs and start-ups for becoming a part of the aerospace and defence supply chain. Shri Singh observed that the State's proximity to Southeast Asia can attract investments for supply chain integration and logistics hubs. Further, abundance of rubber, bamboo and other raw materials in the State can be utilised for the lightweight materials required in defence.Singh urged the State Government authorities to promote innovation in bamboo composites for defence applications, as well as, explore the hydrocarbon reserves for the energy-intensive industries.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, IOFS, Deputy Director General (M&P), Defence Investment & Corridors Cell, Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Mishra, in his Address, briefly outlined the initiatives undertaken by DDP to attract the Indian industry for creating Domestic Defence Industrial ecosystem. The Make Projects by the Department of Defence Production is targeted towards design, development of equipment, systems, major platforms or upgrades thereof by the industry. Mishra further informed that projects up to Rs. 100 crores are reserved for MSMEs and eligibility conditions like CRISII rating, turnover, profitability etc. have been relaxed for the MSME manufacturers. Besides, the Defence Offset guidelines have further paved the way for proactive participation of MSMEs by incorporating a Scheme of multipliers of 1.5 for engaging MSME as Indian Offset Partners, which promotes their integration in the global supply chain, added Shri Mishra.
S. K. Majee, Chief Manager Integrated Material Management, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), highlighted the opportunities for MSMEs in Tripura to contribute to India's defence sector growth through the Srijan Portal, an initiative promoting Make in India defence manufacturing. He urged Tripura’s MSME ventures, especially from the rubber and bamboo industry to step forward and contribute to the growing defence sector, seizing opportunities for growth and development. He reaffirmed HAL's commitment to support the MSMEs through handholding, expertise sharing, and fostering collaborations to help them achieve their full potential.
Guest of Honour Sabyasachi Debbarma, Joint Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Tripura emphasised Tripura's immense potential to contribute to India’s defence transformation. The State's rich natural resources, skilled workforce and strategic location make it an ideal destination for defence manufacturing. By fostering partnerships between local industries, start-ups, and defence PSUs, Tripura can play a vital role in India's defence modernization efforts, driving economic growth and employment opportunities, stated Debbarma.
Debbarma observed that one of Tripura's most significant advantages lies in its untapped potential. The defence manufacturing sector encompasses a broad range of industries, including critical components made from materials like rubber, textiles, and composites. Tripura's strengths in these areas, such as high-quality rubber, can be leveraged to manufacture tyres, seals, and gaskets for military vehicles and equipment. By tapping into these diverse industries, India can promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, he added.
In his Address, Dr. Shiladitya Munshi, Professor, Techno India University, Tripura, outlined how MSMEs can leverage resources to manufacture high-quality defence vehicle components, rubber-based products for tactical gear, bulletproof vests, and shock-resistant materials offering cost-effective solutions that align with the Make in India initiative, thereby reducing reliance on imports. Dr. Munshi also underscored the role of Techno India Knowledge Campus, noting that its innovation Councils provide incubation, technological support, IPR assistance, and aid with digital transformation. Sharing success stories, he highlighted the development of a hexacopter ‘Sudharshana’ aimed at border surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat zones, as well as the production of cost-effective paver blocks which are specially designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and terrains.
Earlier in his welcome address, Rajkumar Agrawal, Vice-President, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata highlighted the vast opportunities for MSMEs in India's growing defence production sector, driven by supportive government policies, including Tripura's Industrial Policy 2019 and the initiatives by the Tripura Industrial Development Corporation Limited. With the Ministry of Defence declaring 2025 as the Year of Reforms MSMEs in Tripura can drive defence modernisation through innovation, technology transfer and public-private partnerships, playing a crucial role in strengthening India's defence sector, added Shri Agrawal
Agrawal suggested that the Government of Tripura consider creating its own Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy, given the State's abundant natural resources and thriving MSME sector. This move would align Tripura with other States like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, which have already implemented similar policies to support defence manufacturing.