- Director General CENJOWS Major General (Retd.) Ashok Kumar speaks exclusively to ADU
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 30 November 2024. B2B is not new but the USP of the Defence Partnership Days co-organized by CENJOWS and IMR was B2G. Not only innovative as an idea but also a great platform to get the seller and the buyer face to face to discuss the need of the armed forces and how the manufacturer has to adapt to it. In an exclusive interview ADU spoke with Major General (Retd.) Ashok Kumar Director General CENJOWS to delve into the vision, challenges, and aspirations behind this innovative initiative. With a focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenization, the event introduced this unique Business-to-Government (B2G) component to facilitate closer collaboration between industries and the government. Here’s an insightful conversation about its significance and future trajectory.
ADU. The event this year has an intriguing theme . Could you tell us what it’s all about and how it differs from its previous iterations?
Maj Gen (Retd.) Ashok Kumar. This event aligns with the government’s focused push for Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenization, which began gaining momentum in 2014. While there were earlier efforts, this initiative aims to tackle the dependence on foreign defence imports, a critical issue for India given our active borders with adversaries like China and Pakistan. Strategic autonomy necessitates self-reliance in defence equipment, and this event is a step toward accelerating the indigenization process.
ADU. What challenges were identified in fostering indigenization, and how does this event address them?
Maj Gen (Retd.) Ashok Kumar. Despite notable progress, indigenization hasn’t kept pace with national needs. In March 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) chaired a comprehensive conference to identify industry challenges, such as policy issues, funding, repeat orders, and visibility. This event was conceived to bridge the gaps between businesses and the government (B2G) and between businesses themselves (B2B). The idea was to create a platform for MSMEs, startups, and innovators who often lack the resources and knowledge to navigate the defence procurement ecosystem. Unlike traditional seminars, this event facilitates face-to-face interactions to resolve real-world challenges.
ADU. The concept of B2G interactions is new. How did the government respond to this initiative?
Maj Gen (Retd.) Ashok Kumar. Initially, we were apprehensive about the response, especially from the Department of Defence Production. However, their participation was remarkable. The Secretary of Defence Production himself attended and actively engaged with the attendees, alongside representatives from the department. This level of involvement underscores a significant shift in the ecosystem, with all stakeholders aligned toward solving industry challenges.
ADU. What has been the industry’s reaction to this initiative?
Maj Gen (Retd.) Ashok Kumar. The industry’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. During the inaugural session, senior leaders addressed critical challenges, which was met with great enthusiasm. While some parallel sessions faced logistical challenges, the overall feedback from MSMEs and startups has been constructive. This event was deliberately designed to prioritize their concerns over large corporates, as they face unique obstacles such as financing, product visibility, and understanding defence protocols.
ADU. How did academia and media contribute to this event?
Maj Gen (Retd.) Ashok Kumar. We involved academia beyond the usual IITs to leverage broader expertise. For the first time, we also engaged with a large number of media professionals. This ensures the event’s message reaches a wider audience, emphasizing the recurring nature of this initiative and encouraging more participants in the future.
ADU. What’s your takeaway from this inaugural event, and what’s next?
Maj Gen (Retd.) Ashok Kumar. This event has been a learning experience. While the feedback highlights areas for improvement, it also affirms the need for such platforms. Our aim is to refine and expand this initiative, ensuring it becomes an annual event that significantly contributes to India’s defence ecosystem. We are committed to catching up with global standards and propelling our industry to a new level of self-reliance.
The inaugural B2G and B2B-focused event marks a pivotal step in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance. By bridging gaps between industries and the government, the platform provides MSMEs, startups, and innovators the visibility and support they need. With valuable lessons learned, the organizers aim to establish this as a cornerstone event in India’s defence calendar, fostering collaboration for a stronger, self-reliant nation.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
