On February 26, 2024, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande visited the Maharashtra MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Defence Expo 2024 at the International Exhibition Convention Centre, Moshi, Pune. This expo, organized by the Government of Maharashtra, serves as a platform to showcase the indigenous capabilities and innovations of MSMEs, private companies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, and Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) setups in Maharashtra.
General Manoj Pande addressed the MSMEs and students during a keynote speech, acknowledging Maharashtra’s significant contribution to the nation’s economy, industrial growth, exports, and FDI attractiveness. He highlighted Maharashtra as the first state in India to formulate a Defence Manufacturing Policy after allowing private investment in the defense sector. The state has also designated Aerospace and Defence manufacturing as a thrust sector in the ‘Package Scheme of Incentives,’ contributing over 20% to the country’s output in aircraft, ships, and boats, and 30% to the national output in weapons and ammunition. These figures reflect a strategic vision for promoting the Defence Industrial Sector.
The COAS emphasized India’s economic growth, improved consumer affluence, higher standards of living, and rising aspirations of citizens. He commended government agencies and armed forces for policy reforms, skilling initiatives, infrastructure investment, digital potential, and frontline entrepreneurship, underscoring the commitment to sustainable development and being a reliable supply chain stakeholder.
Leveraging both MSMEs and the Start-Up ecosystem is a focus area for the Indian Army in pursuing self-reliance. General Pande elaborated on the Innovations in Defence Excellence (iDEX) procurement, where 55 Indian Army projects worth Rs 400 Cr involve 65 Start-Ups. He highlighted the iDEX route’s Spiral Mode of development, ensuring concurrent development of equipment based on user recommendations.
The COAS introduced the Indian Army’s in-house Ideas & Innovation initiative, showcasing innovations like VIDYUT RAKSHAK—an IoT-based generator protection system and a biomedical device. He emphasized the Army’s pursuit of Intellectual Property Rights, with 66 IPRs filed to date, including 13 Patents, 05 Copyrights, and 05 Design Registrations granted.
During the expo, the Indian Army displayed indigenous equipment and systems, engaging with participating industries. General Pande encouraged alignment of products and services with the Indian Army’s future requirements, urging collective contributions to the aspirations, goals, and objectives of a rising India through a commitment to self-reliance.
