Minister of State for Defence Mr.Sanjay Seth today underscored the importance of defence indigenisation in building a robust defence ecosystem driven by innovation, saying indigenous ideas must be transformed into products that strengthen the country’s military capabilities.
Chairing the joint Indian Air Force (IAF)-Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) seminar, ‘SANKALP’, in the national capital, Seth said the initiative would serve as a platform for collaboration between the armed forces, industry and academia to accelerate self-reliance in the defence sector.
He said the seminar would facilitate discussions on Indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), component manufacturing, certification, technology absorption and future aerospace requirements. SANKALP stands for Self-Reliance, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Native Development and Knowledge-Linked Partnership.
During the event, Mr.Seth released the book “SANKALP 2026: Problem Statements of the Indian Air Force” in the presence of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, SIDM President Arun T. Ramchandani, senior IAF officers and industry representatives. Air Marshal Sanjay Ghuratia, Air Officer-in-Charge, Maintenance, delivered the inaugural address.
The seminar featured deliberations on the Indian Air Force’s indigenisation priorities, sustainment requirements and technological advancements. Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the armed forces, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), SIDM, industry and academia participated in the event.
Industry partners also showcased indigenous aerospace capabilities, while business-to-business meetings between IAF representatives, industry participants, CEMILAC and DGAQA explored opportunities for greater collaboration. The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to advance the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through enhanced defence indigenisation.
