In a significant step towards promoting the growth and competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defense sector, Lt Gen JP Mathew, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), addressed the National Defence MSME Conclave on “Export-Ready India: Nurturing Global Competitiveness for MSME”.
The conclave, organized by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), in association with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), aimed to explore strategies to propel India’s defence MSMEs towards global competitiveness.
During his keynote address, Lt Gen JP Mathew underscored the pivotal role of MSMEs in India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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He emphasized the need for continuous innovation, technological advancement, and collaboration to strengthen the capabilities of MSMEs in the defense sector. Lt Gen Mathew highlighted India’s significant progress, moving from the 9th to the 5th position in the rankings of favorable nations, a testament to the growing potential and competitiveness of the country’s defense industry on the global stage.
The National Defence MSME Conclave 2024 provided a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on key issues pertaining to the export readiness and global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs in the defense sector.
The event aimed to foster partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and chart a roadmap for enhancing the export capabilities of MSMEs in alignment with the government’s Make in India initiative.
The conclave witnessed participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from defense MSMEs, government agencies, research institutions, and academia.
The sessions focused on various aspects such as technology infusion, skill development, quality assurance, export promotion, and regulatory reforms to enable MSMEs to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global defence market.
Lt Gen JP Mathew’s address resonated with the audience, inspiring MSMEs to leverage their strengths and capabilities to become globally competitive players in the defense sector.
He stressed the importance of fostering an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and encourages collaboration between MSMEs, large enterprises, and research institutions.
The National Defence MSME Conclave 2024 served as a platform for constructive dialogue and strategic partnerships, laying the foundation for India’s defense MSMEs to expand their footprint in international markets and contribute significantly to the nation’s defense industrial base.
With concerted efforts and collective initiatives, India’s MSMEs are poised to emerge as key drivers of growth and innovation in the global defence industry, furthering the country’s aspirations of becoming a leading exporter of defence products and technologies.
