Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command, addressed the plenary session at the annual seminar of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), attended by industry leaders, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups and innovators.
Delivering his address titled “Reflections from North Tech Symposium 2026 and the Way Forward”, the Army Commander commended the rapid growth of India’s defence industry and highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between the armed forces and domestic industry.
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma urged industry partners to move beyond the role of technology suppliers and evolve into key collaborators in building a self-reliant and credible defence ecosystem. His address emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to defence development, with industry stakeholders playing a more active role in supporting the country’s defence requirements.
The participation of industry leaders, MSMEs, startups and innovators provided a platform for engagement between the military and the wider defence manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. The seminar brought together stakeholders involved in developing technologies and capabilities relevant to India’s defence sector.
The Army Commander’s address linked the experience of North Tech Symposium 2026 with the way forward for defence industry collaboration. By commending the sector’s rapid growth and calling for deeper partnerships, he underscored the need for industry to contribute not only as a supplier of technologies but also as a collaborator in building indigenous capabilities.
The emphasis on Atmanirbharta reflects the broader objective of strengthening India’s ability to develop and support its own defence capabilities. The call for industry partners to take on a more collaborative role highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between the armed forces, established manufacturers, MSMEs and emerging innovators.
The address at the SIDM annual seminar reinforced the importance of closer military-industry cooperation in advancing indigenous defence development. It also highlighted the role of collaboration in building a self-reliant and credible defence ecosystem capable of responding to the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
