In a momentous event that promises to shape the future of India’s defence landscape, New Delhi is set to host the Catalyst and India Defence Conclave 2023. This exclusive gathering will bring together nearly fifty Defence Attaches (DAs), Deputy DAs, diplomats, and representatives from national and international defence and aerospace companies.
Organized by the defence and strategic affairs news portal, Bharatshakti, the eighth edition of the Conclave is slated to host high-ranking officials from countries such as the United States, Russia, France, various African nations, and more. The significance of this event taking place on Oct 10, lies in its potential to foster collaboration, address critical geopolitical issues, and explore new avenues in defence and aerospace technologies.
“We at Bharatshakti recognise that the route to enhancing India’s pre-eminence in the global community, needs to be based on Atmanirbharta or self-reliance. We believe that India must have the ability to largely develop, design and produce its defence platforms in cooperation and collaboration with technologically advanced entities. Finally, we strongly feel that the Indian defence ecosystem must be based on a strong, competent and adequately capitalized MSME sector,” Nitin A Gokhale, founder and editor in chief told Financial Express Online on Saturday Oct 7, 2023).
Geopolitical Imperatives:
As the world grapples with evolving geopolitical dynamics, the Indian Ocean region is poised to become the epicentre of global geopolitics. Access to this maritime space will play a pivotal role in shaping international relations in the coming years. Collaborative efforts among like-minded nations are essential to navigate this complex landscape effectively.
India’s ability to exercise its independent national security policy hinges on self-reliance or “Atmanirbharta.” This approach ensures that larger nations do not solely rely on military might but also consider the importance of maintaining positive relationships. In an interconnected world, the outcome often depends on the management of international relations.
Economic & Strategic Issues:
In today’s defence landscape, priorities encompass precision, protection, mobility, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), drones, and counter-drone technologies. India, in its pursuit of self-reliance, welcomes collaborations in defence production.
India is actively transitioning from being a buyer of defence equipment to becoming a developer, designer, and manufacturer of complex platforms. The government’s reforms have spurred the Indian defence industry, resulting in multiple platforms and opportunities.
Indigenization:
The foundation of self-reliance is confidence in indigenous weaponry. India views its defence industry as the “sixth arm of defence,” alongside the strategic political arm, the three-armed forces, space and cyber, and the military-industrial complex. Indigenization is essential, as recent global events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of supply chains during conflicts.
Exports:
India’s aim goes beyond producing sub-systems and systems; it extends to full platforms. Indigenous achievements in light combat aircraft (LCA), helicopters, artillery guns, rocket systems, and tanks exemplify this goal. Technology plays a pivotal role, underscoring the need for increased research and development collaboration with DRDO and academia.
Policy Issues:
Fast-track procurement procedures have proven effective in streamlining defence acquisitions. Enabling policy frameworks and proactive marketing have further facilitated India’s presence in the global defence market. Developing government-to-government mechanisms, similar to the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in the USA, can bolster Indian defence companies.
Skilling & Standardization:
Skilling manpower is a crucial focus area for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Standardization of products is imperative for the long-term growth of these enterprises. Larger Indian companies can play a pivotal role by mentoring and supporting MSMEs.
Technology:
The modernization of defence forces hinges on technological advancements. Today, technology defines military doctrine. India’s private sector has made significant strides in absorbing and leveraging technology, particularly in munitions. Niche technologies hold the key to success.
Views from Industry:
The near-term aspirations of the Indian defence industry include achieving a $25 billion defence industry and a $5 billion export order book. Technological superiority in all future domains is a shared goal. A permanent display in Delhi showcasing Indian equipment for foreign visitors and delegations is also in the works.
Speakers & Panelists:
Eminent speakers and panelists include Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande; CDS General Anil Chauhan; Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman, DRDO; Nivruti Rai, MD & CEO, Invest India; P S Raghavan, Chairman, NSAB; Dr. S Somanath, Chairperson, ISRO; Prof Ajay Kr Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government; JD Patil, L&T; Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive General Atomics; Venkat Katkuri, Airbus; William Blair, Lockheed Martin; Subba Rao, Ananth Technologies; AVM D V Khot (Retd), Former Chief of Defence Space Agency; Tobby Simon, Synergia Foundation; Dr Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary; Lt Gen M U Nair, National CyberSecurity Coordinator, NSCS; Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secy, Dept of S&T; Maj Gen C S Mann, ADG, ADB; Rear Admiral Ankur Sharma, DG, WESEE; B K Singh, Ex Special Director IB, Ex DGP CG; Chief of Air Staff ACM V R Chaudhari; Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, C-in-C, Western Naval Command IN; and Lt Gen Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations, Australia; Atul Dinkar Rane, CEO and MD, Brahmos; Ashok Atluri, Zen Technologies; among others.
Additionally, a video message from Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Secretary of National Defence, Philippines, will add an international perspective to the event.