Mumbai, May 9 (IANS) A Mumbai-based strategic think tank, will host a seminar titled ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence: Opportunities for MSMEs’ on May 11.

Supported by the Indian Navy, the seminar adopts the theme ‘Make in India for the World’ and commemorates the completion of one year of Operation Sindoor.

It aims to highlight the unprecedented opportunities emerging for Indian MSMEs in the country’s rapidly expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The seminar is expected to bring together top defence policymakers, senior military leadership, government officials, defence manufacturers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to deliberate on India’s growing push towards self-reliance and indigenisation in the defence sector.

The event will focus on the nearly Rs 10 lakh crore business opportunity expected to emerge for Indian MSMEs over the coming decade under the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence’ initiative.

Maharashtra Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Electronics, Adv. Ashish Shelar, will inaugurate the seminar as Chief Guest and deliver the opening address.

A special publication on ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence’ will also be released during the event, said the release issued by Minister Shelar’s office.

The inaugural keynote address will be delivered by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Chief of Integrated Staff, Integrated Defence Staff.

This will be followed by a high-powered panel discussion featuring senior military leaders and defence industry executives on strengthening India’s indigenous defence ecosystem and integrating Indian MSMEs into global supply chains.

The panel will include Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, along with senior leadership from defence and shipbuilding sectors, said the release.

Deependra Kushwaha, Indian Administrative Service, Development Commissioner Industries and Chairman, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation, will present Maharashtra’s industrial growth and investment roadmap for defence manufacturing and MSME participation under the ‘Invest in Maharashtra’ initiative.

A strategic presentation on the Ministry of Defence’s roadmap for indigenisation and self-reliance will be delivered by Vice Admiral Atul Anand.

The second half of the seminar will feature detailed presentations by the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and major Indian and global defence manufacturers.

These sessions will provide MSMEs with insights into upcoming defence procurement opportunities worth nearly Rs 10 lakh crore and guide them on integrating into the procurement ecosystems of leading global manufacturers, said the release.

A dedicated session on naval indigenisation and innovation will be led by Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Sharma, who has played a pivotal role in advancing indigenisation within the Indian Navy.

The session will focus on future naval procurement opportunities estimated at nearly Rs 3 lakh crore over the next decade.

The seminar will conclude with a special session on growth capital and financing for defence MSMEs, featuring Admiral R Hari Kumar and senior representatives from asset management and investment sectors, aimed at helping MSMEs scale operations and access long-term growth capital.

The seminar will also feature a special keynote address by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who will be making his first public appearance following his appointment as the next Chief of the Indian Navy.

Speaking about the seminar, the Director of the think tank said that the success of Operation Sindoor demonstrated the growing strength of indigenous defence capabilities, powered by platforms such as BrahMos cruise missiles, Nagastra loitering munitions, Akashteer air defence systems, advanced anti-drone technologies, and indigenised combat aircraft platforms.

“As we mark the completion of one year of Operation Sindoor, this seminar seeks to reinforce the Government’s renewed push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and create meaningful opportunities for Indian MSMEs to become integral partners in India’s journey towards strategic autonomy and nation-building,” he noted.

–IANS

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