Kolkata – The
much-anticipated "East Tech
2024" defence technology symposium commenced today at the Biswa Bangla
Mela Prangan in Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by Shri Aroop Biswas,
Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Power & Non-Conventional
Energy, and Housing, Government of West Bengal, alongside Lt Gen Ram Chander
Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command. The distinguished gathering
included the Corps Commander of Brahmastra Corps, and numerous dignitaries from
the Military, Para-Military Forces, and Civil administration.
An initiative by the Eastern Command of the
Indian Army, in collaboration with the Confederation
of Indian Industries (CII) and Society
of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), East Tech 2024 is designed to
spotlight cutting-edge technologies aimed at addressing operational challenges
in the Eastern Theatre and the Indian Army as a whole. The event covers an
extensive range of technological innovations, including Communications,
Tactical Mobility, Protection & Sustenance, Survivability, AI, Drone &
Counter-Drone Technologies, Robotics, and Firepower solutions.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra
Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC addressed attendees through a recorded video message,
highlighting the importance of advancing indigenous defence technology to meet
the operational needs of the Indian Army, in alignment with Atma Nirbhar
Bharat.
The Army Commander, in his keynote address highlighted Eastern Command’s critical role
as the largest operational command of the Indian Army, facing a spectrum of
challenges ranging from conventional warfare to counter-terrorism, cyber
threats, and grey-zone warfare. These operational demands require the constant
modernization of field formations and the integration of indigenous technology
to strengthen the Command’s readiness. He emphasised the event's goal of equipping
the Eastern Command with advanced indigenous technology to tackle critical
operational challenges.
Shree Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President of the
Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), emphasized the event’s unique
role in mobilizing MSMEs from the Eastern Region especially West Bengal, which
ranks second in MSME numbers nationwide, towards defence production. He
underscored that East Tech 2024 provides a critical platform to engage these
enterprises, fostering innovation and national defence contributions.
The hon’ble minister highlighted the state’s
pivotal role in the nation’s defence ecosystem, noting that West Bengal, with
the country’s second-largest number of MSMEs, is uniquely positioned to support
India’s defence manufacturing goals. He expressed hope in the state’s potential
to drive innovation and technological advancement, helping to meet the Indian
Army’s evolving operational needs.
The response from
the Indian Defence Manufacturers has been overwhelming and over 150
representatives from Indian Manufacturers including MSMEs, from across the country have arrived
in the city of joy to showcase their latest and the most advanced weapon &
equipment technology at the event. The event herald a new era of Self Reliance
in development and induction of niche technology in the defence sector.
During the event, the Hon’ble
Minister and the Army Commander toured various stalls
to inspect the innovative products on display and met with defence
manufacturers to discuss their contributions.
In recognition of their support, the army commander presented mementos to representatives from CII, SIDM and other industry partners.
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