New Delhi, March 20
The National Defence Industries Conclave (NDIC) 2026, organised by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) on the theme ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technologies’, concluded at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi here today, after two days of extensive discussions on advanced manufacturing technologies and industry participation in defence production. The conclave brought together MSMEs, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private defence companies, innovators, policymakers and academia to deliberate on strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies.
The valedictory session was graced by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. In his address, Seth highlighted the critical role of MSMEs, start-ups & innovators in strengthening India’s industrial base and contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence. He also commended them for strengthening the capabilities of the defence forces, thereby safeguarding the nation from different kinds of threats.
Seth described the MSMEs and start-ups as the brand ambassadors of innovation, who are playing a central role in making India a global defence manufacturing hub and Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Extending the Government’s full support in this endeavour, he expressed confidence of achieving the target of Rs 50,000 crore worth of defence exports and Rs 03 lakh crore worth of defence production by 2030.
Seth listed out the number of steps taken by the Government to increase the participation of the private sector, especially MSMEs and start-ups. He stated that the all-time high allocation of Rs 7.85 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget 2026-27 provides an opportunity to the MSMEs and start-ups to make the nation self-reliant.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar gave a broad overview of the discussions and sessions organised as part of the two-day conclave. He stated that these sessions provided a platform for MSMEs to engage directly with DPSUs, industry leaders and policymakers, helping identify opportunities for collaboration, technology development and supply-chain integration.
The Secretary (DP) emphasised that the conclave facilitated extensive interaction between government, industry and academia, helping identify technology gaps, capability requirements and opportunities for collaboration across the defence manufacturing value chain. He added that the discussions reinforced the importance of innovation, advanced manufacturing and MSME participation in strengthening India’s defence production capabilities and enhancing global competitiveness.
