MSMEs form the backbone of Indian Defence Manufacturing

New Delhi. 31 March 2022. Speaking at the PHDCCI 2nd International Conference on Defence & Security at Hotel Hyatt Regency, New Delhi) today, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for MSME, Government of India said Extensive and valuable contribution of the MSME make PM Modis’s vision of Atma nirbhar Bharat through Make in India a reality .

The event witnessed participation of the policy makers, industry stalwarts and international delegates. Minister of State for MSME appreciated the Chamber for organising this event at the appropriate time when the nation is embarking its journey of being Atmanirbhar through Make in India. Defence manufacturing needs to be brought in the chain of Make in India to enhance the landscape of the defence manufacturing sector.

Major portion of manpower in the defence manufacturing is provided by the MSME sector, he added. The extensive and valuable contribution of the MSME make PM Modis’s vision of Atma nirbhar Bharat through Make in India a reality. He emphasized on the quality enhancement in the manufacturing industries to increase the competitiveness in the global market. Exports stood at Rs 38,000 crore in the last seven years has crossed over; More than 12,000 Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are involved in the defence sector and there has been an increase in research and development, start-ups, innovation and employment.

The Ministry has also prepared and circulated the Policy Document for MSMEs in India for their comments from the industry to facilitate creation of vibrant ecosystem for rapid growth of MSME sector and also for real infrastructure and responsible linkages for MSMEs. To identify and sensitize stakeholders to promote MSMEs to the best of their ability from manufacturing and ensuring access to credit, capital exposure, raw materials and marketing facilities for MSMEs, added Hon’ble Minister.

Keeping in view the advancement in technology, the Ministry will develop a focused institution promoting technology development and activities in the MSME sector in a coordinated manner and it will be launched for skill development where the NULM of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Rural Various schemes of the Ministries like NRLM of Ministry of Development, Schemes of Ministry of Skill Development etc. will be targeted at the district level, added Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma.

Sanjay Jaju, IAS, Additional Secretary Defence Production Ministry of Defence, Government of India, appreciated PHDCCI for organizing the 2nd Internataional Conference on Defence & security at the most appropriate time.

Our defence manufacturing ecosystem is going though the most exciting phase, driven by the nation’s Self Belief ,in its capabilities and abilities to be world class in Defence and security infrastructure and manufacturing. Deriving advantage from our demographic dividend , Self-Belief is the starting point for building an AatmaNirbhar Bharat, said Jaju.

The disruptive innovative processes in defence procurement in providing RFPs to the end product will shorten the time frame from 2 years to 4.5 months, added Jaju.

Government will now not only just invest in the R&D of the designing abilities of the government enterprises but also in the private led enterprises, as it is for businesses to do business and not the government to do business, added Jaju.

Mentioning the utmost importance of extensive participation of the private sector to achieve Atmanirbharata and building world class infrastructure, Jaju , invited the industry to hold the reins of defence manufacturing sector and take it to the next level.

Indigenous initiatives and startups should be promoted to develop and design the defence products , doors to be open for the industries to bring fundamental and paradigm reforms in the sector.

Ibraev Akylbek Deputy of Defence Minister, Govt. of Krgyzstan, expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to participate in PHDCCI 2nd International Conference on Defence & Security as it provide excellent opportunity for exchange of views on the most pressing issues of countering existing challenges and threats . In the context of modern globalization , India is one of the most powerful centers of international development, where huge human and economic resources are concentrated. The key factor of ensuring the security of the state is a level of equioment of our units added Mr Ibraev Akylbek.

Effective cooperation to raise the level of risk targets, both at the national and regional levels. Our country is open to cooperation on the entire spectrum of issues on the joint agenda, including cooperation on mutual deliveries of military products. In conclusion, I wish you good health and success in your activities for the benefit of the peaceful labor of our peoples.

Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI in his address mentioned, ” Indian defence industry is at a fast growth and development stage where every stakeholder has its important role in developing the sector including the DPSUs, OEMs and MSMEs. The recent developments around the world have even forged us more to have a robust and competitive and self-reliant defence ecosystem. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister has called for Make in India and make for the world, the key to self-reliance and growth.” The capability and viability of the defence and aerospace industry is built on the strength of supply chains, in which the MSMES are intricately intertwined. There are substantially large number of MSMES across the country supplying components and sub-assemblies and systems to the Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Ordnance Factories, Defence Research and Development Organization, Indian Air Force and private industries.

M K Gupta, Chairman, PHDCCI Defence & HLS Committee mentioned that the aerospace and defence industry is of strategic importance to any nation. The Ministry of Defence acknowledges the fact that India needs to increase self-reliance in its own national interest. On the other hand, the international defence industry today is global in nature with a complex network of global supply chains. Therefore, it is imperative for Indian companies, especially SMEs, to integrate themselves into the supply chains of national and international defence majors in order to reduce dependence on foreign supplies and also to gain a foothold in the international aerospace and defence market.

Air Vice Marshal P S Sarin, VSM Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance Plans), Indian Air Force emphasized on sustenance and indigenization of the products make in India. The def expo will provide the opportunity to galvanizing our products in the sector. All over India Indian Airforce is working in collaboration with academia , designing firms and other institutions in this area. Open modular framework will be provided in this sector to ease the processes. Quality assurance service will also be kept in the main light for the manufacturing. He mentioned that Sustenance will be the building block for self-reliance.

Rajeev Puri, CMD, Yantra India Ltd. congratulated the for the successful trials of PINACA rocket and also gave the brief introduction about his company .Government of India is working for Atmanirbhar bharat and Make in India which gives us the opportunity to produce products in the country.

Rajesh Chaudhary, CMD, AWEIL mentioned that special focus will be on R&D and other weapons manufacturing to fulfil the demands of the future .He said that weapons made can handle harsh conditions like extreme temperatures. He advised to build best and active collaborations to strengthen the sector in achieving vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat n defence sector.

Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHDCCI presented the formal vote of Thanks.

The Event was sponsored by PHDCCI’s Annual Sponsors – Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Star Wire; PG Industry; Uflex Ltd; DLF Ltd; Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd; Belair Travel & Cargo Pvt Ltd; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; MMG Group; Paramount Communications; Superior Industries Limited; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; SMC Investments and Advisors Ltd; Crystal Crop Protection Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Samsung India Electronics; Comtech Interio; R E Rogers; AYUSH Herbs Private Ltd; Apeejay Stya Group; DCM Shriram; EaseMyTrip; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; Oswal Greentech; Trident Group; MV Cotspin Ltd; Synergy Environics Ltd; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; P S BEDI & Co.; Indian Farmer &Fertilizers Corporation Ltd; Jindal Steel; Hindware Sanitary; Modern Automobiles; Livit Ltd; Axa Parenterals; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; J K Insurance Brokers Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd.