India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in Defence crucial for achieving strategic independence: CDS
New Delhi, June 21 (FN Agency) Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Friday said that India’s pursuit of defence indigenisation and self-reliance is crucial for achieving strategic independence in the defence sector. Addressing the maiden Armed Forces BEML Synergy Meet 2024 here, the CDS said, “The concept of Atmanirbharta underscores our aim to attain autonomy in defence production and establish an ecosystem that positions India as a leading global defence exporter.” This first-of-its kind event was aimed at deepening understanding and delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet military needs in the near future and to further strengthen Aatmnirbharta in defence, a Defence Ministry statement said.
Gen Anil Chauhan commended BEML for their efforts and endorsed the collaborative development of indigenous defence equipment. He emphasised the importance of joint integration to achieve synergy in line with the Government of India’s agenda for military modernisation. The event served as a platform for open interactions, strengthening the relationships between BEML and the armed forces. These discussions were aimed at fostering mutual growth and ensuring that the defence sector can meet the evolving challenges and demands of modern military operations with equal collaboration from defence PSU like BEML.
CMD BEML Shantanu Roy reiterated the commitment of the defence PSU to enhancing the nation’s indigenisation efforts in army vehicles and solutions. He said, the synergy meeting will provide valuable insights into the evolving needs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and we stand ready with our research and execution capabilities to meet these requirements. The synergy meeting paved the way for future collaborations, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of defence solutions and contributing to the nation’s security and technological advancement. The event was attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, along with senior officials from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.