GOC-in-C Eastern Command Addressed Defence Conclave 2022

Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( MCCI ) organised Defence Conclave 2022 on the theme “Atma Nirbhar Defence – Opportunities Challenges and the way forward ” on 24th may 2022 in Kolkata. The conclave was organised with an objective of bringing prominent Policy Makers and Industry Captains together for meaningful discussions and deliberations on the current trends and future prospects of the Indian defence industry.India today has one of the world ‘s largest standing Army with the strength of over 1.4 million personnel .

The size of the Defence industry including Aerospace and Naval Ship Building Industry  was estimated to be  about USD 850 billion in 2021-22 Government of India has set the Defence production target at USD 25 billion by next three -four years.In response to the clarion call of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, the Defence sector has been witnessing major development. Defence Acquisition Council (DAE) boosted Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative by according Acceptance of Necessity ( AON ) to capital acquisitions proposals worth USD 1.07 billion for modernisation and operational needs of armed forces.The Ministry of Defence had earmarked 64 percent of its Capital Acquisition Budget for domestic industry in Financial Year 2021-22. To indigenize manufacturing of Defence systems and equipments the Ministry of Defence has been in the process of adding more items which will be manufactured in India. 351 more items have been listed and it is now an opportunity for Indian industries to manufacture them. The government has already identified a list of over 2500 items which are not going to be imported . Also, the Ministry of Defence has released list of 209 items including arms which the country will stop importing in a phased manner. The listed items will be indigenized in next 3 years and will save precious foreign exchange.

The vision of Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy ( DPEPP ) has an ambition to achieve a turnover of USD 25 billion including export of USD 5 billion in Aerospace and Defence Goods and Services by 2025.The DPEPP and it’s associated Defence Acquisition Procedure mark a new era for the defence manufacturing sector in India and opens up new opportunities for Indian manufacturers to not only develop but also contribute to the defense of the nation. Addressing the august gathering Lt. General Rana Pratap Kalita GOC-in- C Eastern Command said the government is simplifying procurement policies of Defence items as well as encouraging Indian private sector participation in R and D. as well as production of various Defence items including arms. Also,he mentioned government is encouraging MSME sector participation in production of Defence items wherever feasible. Lt. Gen.Kalita announced “Mini Defence Expo” will be organised in Kolkata in month of July 2022 . He invited various manufacturers of Defence items to participate in the upcoming Expo as well as demonstrate their technologies.In welcoming address, Shri Rishabh C Kothari , President MCCI lauded Government of India’s efforts to encourage private sector participation in production of wide range of defence items in India .Defence conclave was addressed by top officials including Policy Makers of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Barrackpore division , Bharat Electronics Limited ,DRDO, Hooghly Cochin Shipyard, GRSE Ltd. Shri Lalit Beriwala Senior Vice President MCCI gave vote of thanks.