A seminar on ‘Self-Reliance in the Defence Sector’ was held at Hotel Leela in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This event was organised by the Gujarat government’s Industry and Mines Department in collaboration with the Defence Production Department of the Indian government, the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and Laghu Udyog Bharati. The main goal of the seminar was to provide Gujarat-based MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) access to national defence-related purchases, innovation, and export opportunities.
The Indian defence manufacturing sector is undergoing a historic transformation driven by the national vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) and the strategic roadmap for a developed India by 2047. As more private companies engage in the production of defence resources, the role of MSMEs is becoming increasingly important in creating a self-reliant ecosystem in this sector.
Gujarat boasts a strong industrial base in engineering, manufacturing, advanced textiles, and specialty materials. This makes the state well-equipped to contribute to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions. However, many MSMEs in Gujarat face limitations in integrating with defence supply chains. The seminar aimed to address these challenges and promote collaboration between local industries and key stakeholders, including Defence PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings), major private companies in the defence sector, armed forces, and research and development institutions.
During the event, Gujarat’s Industry Minister, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, highlighted that India is progressing towards becoming a self-reliant nation under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that Gujarat is emerging as a leading state in this journey. By promoting defence production and entrepreneurship, the state demonstrates that with the right policies, infrastructure, and skill development, strategic visions can be transformed into achievements.
The seminar featured discussions by various dignitaries. Manisha Chandra, Joint Secretary of Defence Production, spoke on the topic of ‘Self-Reliance in Aerospace and Defence and Gujarat’s Potential.’ Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Defence Production, also addressed the audience. Baldevbhai Prajapati, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati, provided insights on the role of MSMEs in achieving self-reliance in the defence sector.
Mamta Verma, Principal Secretary of the Industry and Mines Department, shared that there are currently over 1,000 startups and 16,000 MSMEs operating in Gujarat’s defence sector. She emphasized the vast potential in the state to highlight its capabilities in defence manufacturing and encouraged the use of government schemes to showcase these strengths.
The seminar included presentations on various topics, including the role of MSMEs in self-reliance in the defence sector by Lokesh Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defence. A startup named Swadeshi Empressa Pvt. Ltd. presented on the contributions of startups to self-reliance in defence.
Major General A.K. Channan from DRDO Laboratories discussed defence procurement, while representatives from the National Defence University in Gandhinagar focused on defence startups and innovation. Other participants included officials from SIDBI and companies like L&T Precision Engineering and Tata Advanced Systems, who presented on their experiences and expectations for MSME partnerships.
The seminar aimed to promote self-reliance in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and to empower Gujarat-based MSMEs to participate in national defence-related opportunities. It fostered connections between local industries and essential stakeholders, aligning Gujarat’s industrial strengths with national defence priorities, contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with industry leaders and officials to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities in the defence sector. This seminar represents a significant step towards establishing Gujarat as a hub for defence manufacturing, aligned with India’s goal of becoming a leading global defence producer.