The discussions emphasized long-term student-driven research initiatives within academic institutions and proposed strategies to move beyond short-term project-based collaborations with DPSUs. Structured initiatives were proposed to provide insights into futuristic technologies, ensuring the translation of academic research into deployable defence capabilities. The interaction also explored innovative models for continuous academic contribution to national defence objectives.
Participation of Leading Academic Institutions
The meeting witnessed active participation from leaders of 24 top academic institutions, including:
- Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras
- Prof. M. Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur
- Prof. S. Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay
- Prof. B.S. Murthy, Director, IIT Hyderabad
- Prof. R. Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar
- Prof. K.N. Satyanarayana, Director, IIT Tirupati
- Prof. D. Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati
Other senior professors from these premier institutions contributed their perspectives on aligning curriculum and research outputs with strategic defence needs.
Insights and Strategic Outcomes
Expressing gratitude to participants, Secretary Shri Sanjeev Kumar highlighted that such dialogues provide the Ministry with crucial insights into the capabilities and potential of India’s academic ecosystem. He encouraged academia to adopt a consultative approach with the Department of Defence Production, facilitating the development of long-term national capabilities and advancing India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
The session reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to leveraging academic expertise in building a resilient, future-ready defence infrastructure. Collaborative engagement with industry partners and academic institutions is expected to catalyse the development of advanced defence solutions and strengthen India’s strategic autonomy.
Looking Ahead
The initiative sets the stage for institutionalized, structured cooperation between India’s defence sector and academia. It aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent, cutting-edge research, and deployable technological solutions that address national security priorities. The Ministry intends to continue these engagements to maintain a robust and forward-looking defence research ecosystem.