Rajnath Singh’s Vision for DTTC
In his inaugural remarks, the DRDO Chairman highlighted that DTTC is the brainchild of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He credited the initiative with creating a thriving platform for industry collaboration. Addressing participants, he urged MSMEs to actively engage in defence research and production, calling this the “opportune moment” to leverage DRDO’s policies and technologies.
He assured that DRDO will extend full support to smaller industries, enabling them to become integral partners in India’s march towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He also underlined the long-term goal of achieving a self-reliant and developed India by 2047 under the “Viksit Bharat” vision.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the participating MSMEs for successfully hosting the conclave. He acknowledged the crucial role of small industries in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India. The Minister emphasised that MSMEs are the backbone of defence manufacturing and innovation, making them central to the growth of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
Key Dignitaries and Industry Engagement
The event saw participation from top DRDO officials, including Dr. R.V. Hara Prasad, Director General (Naval Systems & Materials); Dr. L.C. Mangal, Director General (Technology Management); and Dr. Mayank Dwivedi, Director General (Human Resources). Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing industry partnerships across all levels of defence R&D and manufacturing.
The conclave offered MSMEs not only an opportunity to learn about funding avenues and technical consultancy but also to explore DRDO’s industry-centric technologies. With defence indigenisation now a strategic priority, the UP Defence Industrial Corridor is being positioned as a hub of innovation and job creation.
Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem
India’s defence sector has increasingly turned to MSMEs and start-ups for cutting-edge innovation. Through conclaves like this, DRDO is building bridges between government, academia, and industry to accelerate indigenous production. Experts note that such collaborations could reduce reliance on imports while creating new opportunities for local enterprises.
With the government promoting policy reforms and the industry responding with agility, the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor is expected to emerge as a key driver of India’s self-reliance in defence technologies. Initiatives like DTTC’s conclave are paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive defence ecosystem that empowers smaller players alongside major corporations.