PRAYAGRAJ, Uttar Pradesh (India): Minister of State for Defence, Government of India, Sanjay Seth has said that India’s military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries. Seth credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the unmatched courage and determination of the armed forces to the indigenously developed, state-of-the-art weapons and systems.
Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on May 5, 2026, he described MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy and start-ups as the brand ambassadors of the country. “Our start-ups and MSMEs are the driving force of future growth and will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developed India by 2047,” he said.
He further commended the defence forces for dismantling the nefarious designs of India’s adversaries by eliminating terror hideouts during Operation Sindoor. He noted that the effective use of Made-in-India equipment reflects the collective resolve of the Government, DPSUs, private sector, innovators, start-ups, and MSMEs to achieve self-reliance in defence.
He asserted that record defence production and export figures demonstrate the emergence of a New India focused on strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests. “This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it ignore threats to its sovereignty,” he added.
Emphasising the rapidly evolving nature of technology, he urged the industry to think innovatively and stay ahead of the technology curve amid global uncertainties. He highlighted various government initiatives aimed at strengthening the defence ecosystem and reiterated that innovation is a continuous process, assuring full government support.
He also acknowledged the transformative impact of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and encouraged industry stakeholders to take growth to greater heights. Speaking on the occasion, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, called upon the industry to collaborate with the armed forces to meet emerging operational requirements and help build a future-ready Indian Army. He noted that self-reliance would ensure strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and operational flexibility.
The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026 is being organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) on the theme ‘Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry and Soldiering Converge’.
The event, inaugurated by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 4, 2026, features 284 stalls by private defence manufacturers showcasing cutting-edge technologies. Demonstrations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, surveillance equipment, and other defence products are also part of the programme.
Among those present were GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma; GOC, 1 Corps, Lieutenant General V. Hariharan; President, SIDM, Arun T. Ramchandani; along with industry leaders, innovators, start-ups, and representatives from academia.
