Prayagraj, May 5 Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth on Tuesday asserted that India's military strength is rooted in its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, while also praising the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, supported by indigenous weapon systems.
"India's military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries," Seth said, crediting the success of Operation Sindoor to the courage and determination of the Indian armed forces, further strengthened by the deployment of indigenously developed, state-of-the-art weapons and systems.
Addressing the North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, he described micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the economy and termed start-ups as brand ambassadors of the country.
"Our start-ups and MSMEs are the driving force for future growth and will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. They are the Vishwakarmas of our age," he said.
The Minister commended the armed forces for neutralising threats and dismantling terror hideouts during Operation Sindoor, noting that the effective deployment of 'Made-in-India' defence equipment reflects a collective national resolve involving the government, defence public sector undertakings, private industry, innovators, start-ups and MSMEs towards achieving self-reliance in defence.
Seth further said that record levels of defence production and exports reflect the emergence of a 'New India' focused on strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests.
"This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it look the other way if someone tries to threaten its sovereignty," he added.
Highlighting the rapidly evolving nature of technology, he urged industry stakeholders to innovate continuously and remain ahead of the curve amid global uncertainties.
He also underlined several government initiatives aimed at strengthening the defence ecosystem and reiterated full support for innovation, while acknowledging the role of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor in boosting growth.
Speaking at the event, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, Anindya Sengupta, called on industry to collaborate closely with the armed forces to meet emerging operational requirements and help build a future-ready army. He said self-reliance would ensure strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty and operational flexibility.
The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026 is being organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers under the theme 'Raksha Triveni Sangam - Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge'.
The event was inaugurated on Monday by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and features 284 stalls set up by private defence manufacturers showcasing advanced technologies.
Demonstrations of unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, surveillance equipment and other defence products are also part of the exhibition.
Senior military officials, including GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma; GOC, 1 Corps Lieutenant General V. Hariharan; Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) President Arun T. Ramchandani; industry captains; innovators; start-ups and academia representatives attended the session.
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