As Rajasthan embarks on an ambitious journey to enhance its defence industrial base, the Army’s South Western Command, headquartered in Jaipur, has launched an innovative think tank named Gyan Shakti. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among the armed forces, industry leaders, state officials, and academic institutions on issues related to defence and security, both at regional and national levels. The establishment of this think tank aligns with the vision articulated by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, who aspires to transform the state into a $350 billion economy by 2029.
Lt. Gen. Manjinder Singh, the South Western Army Commander, underscored the importance of Gyan Shakti during the inaugural seminar titled ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan,’ held in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He emphasized that the think tank will leverage the considerable expertise and insights of the veteran community in matters pertaining to defence and national security. Lt. Gen. Singh expressed confidence that this collaboration would enhance the ongoing transformation initiatives of the Indian Army while simultaneously encouraging veterans to engage in nation-building efforts, contributing to the government’s objectives focused on “Rising Rajasthan” and achieving a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
The Army Commander highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, suggesting that future conflicts will be characterized by intensity and prolonged engagement, which will necessitate a robust indigenous defence production capability close to conflict zones. This strategic approach is vital for ensuring rapid delivery times for essential military supplies. He pointed out that Rajasthan, endowed with the largest land border adjacent to western adversaries, possesses all the necessary components to create a viable defence manufacturing ecosystem. The state boasts well-developed logistical infrastructure, proximity to the border, ample real estate, and a skilled workforce—key resources that could significantly enhance the defense sector.
Despite these favorable conditions, Lt. Gen. Singh acknowledged that the current defence manufacturing framework within Rajasthan remains underdeveloped. He stressed the urgent need to tap into the vast potential of the state’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), encouraging them to elevate their industrial capacity to satisfy not only domestic defence requirements but also to compete in the global defence exports market. The registration process for the Gyan Shakti think tank has already begun, with 67 veterans expressing their interest in joining this collaborative effort.
During the seminar, which attracted participation from over 29 industries, including various MSMEs, representatives showcased their offerings at 23 dedicated stalls featuring an array of defence products and innovations. These included thermal weapon sights, exoskeleton suits, 3D camouflage solutions, BMP armoured vehicles, and much more. Colonel Amitabh Sharma, Defence PRO Jaipur, remarked that the seminar aimed to harness the substantial potential of Rajasthan in developing a comprehensive defence ecosystem and to unite all stakeholders involved in the establishment of a defence manufacturing, maintenance, and repair hub within the state.
As Rajasthan takes these progressive steps towards strengthening its defence manufacturing capabilities, the formation of Gyan Shakti stands as a pivotal milestone, promising to create a cohesive framework for knowledge sharing and collaboration among all parties involved in bolstering national security and defence production.
