The ‘East Tech 2024’ defence technology symposium commenced at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, attracting a range of experts and industry leaders committed to exploring innovations tailored to tackle operational challenges in the Eastern Theatre of the Indian Army. This event is a collaborative effort between the Eastern Command, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
In his opening remarks, Aroop Biswas, the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Power and Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing in the Government of West Bengal, emphasized the strategic significance of the state within India’s defence framework. Biswas noted that West Bengal, with its substantial concentration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), occupies a unique position to contribute effectively to the expanding defence manufacturing sector in the country. He expressed confidence that the state’s innovation ecosystem could play a pivotal role in developing technologies that align with the evolving requirements of the Indian Army.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence elaborated on the thematic scope of the symposium, which encompasses a diverse range of technological advancements integral to military preparedness. Key areas of focus include improvements in communication systems, tactical mobility, protection and sustenance measures, survivability enhancements, and cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence (AI), drone and counter-drone technology, as well as robotics and firepower solutions.
The gathering also featured an address from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, who highlighted the crucial functions of the Eastern Command as the largest operational command within the Indian Army. Lt Gen Tiwari discussed the varied challenges faced by the Command, ranging from conventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations to cyber threats and the complexities of emerging grey-zone warfare. He stressed the importance of ongoing modernization efforts within field formations and integrating indigenously developed technologies to bolster operational effectiveness.
The symposium is set to serve as a vital platform for fostering collaboration among government entities, defence manufacturers, and technology developers, with a clear objective of enhancing India’s defence capabilities while advocating for self-reliance in military technologies. By addressing critical operational requirements through the event, stakeholders aim to significantly contribute to the future readiness of the Indian Army in the Eastern Theatre.
