Need collaborative efforts for ‘Whole of Nation’ approach in defence production ecosystem: CDS

New Delhi Mar 5 (Bureau) The maiden two-day brainstorming session, ‘Impetus to Indigenisation’, concluded on Tuesday with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan stressing the need for collaborative efforts amongst all stakeholders for a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach in the defence production ecosystem. Gen. Chauhan, who chaired the sessions in his address, underscored the ongoing transformative process in defence reforms, an official statement said. He also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts for a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach between the government, services, R&D, and defence production ecosystem towards fostering innovation in India’s journey of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing and production in sync with India’s ‘Vision 2047’. In the keynote address, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane emphasised the government’s commitment towards promoting indigenization through private sector participation in the defence sector.

The event resulted in extremely productive outcomes, with takeaways for policy reform aimed at accelerating the indigenization process and enhancing private sector participation in the Indian defence manufacturing sector. All participants engaged in consultative discussions on various aspects of indigenisation, including the evolving way ahead to address policy-level challenges, ways, and means of providing impetus to indigenisation, with focus on sustenance, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) issues effecting aviation, maritime, and land assets. The outcome-based discussions focused on identifying key areas for the development of indigenous technologies and products and reduction of country’s dependence on imports towards enhancing product availability and ensure high operational readiness of the Armed Forces.