India International Security Expo 2019 concludes: Experts Emphasized on Indigenization of Technology
22nd India International Security Expo 2019 concluded on October 5 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on a positive note discussing about the role of technology playing as a key driver in Indigenization. The expo saw more than 70 exhibitors and witnessed a footfall of around 10,000 visitors across 3 days of the IISE 2019.
The last day of the 22nd India International Security Expo 2019 witnessed a large number of participants from the Center, and State Governments, delegates from 12 countries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, state police, among others, along with significant participation from industry stakeholders from across the world.
Dr. Upendra Kumar Singh, Director, Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), DRDO, spoke about the need to build a national leadership, especially in the field of technology, artificial intelligence and robotics for national security. Artificial Intelligence has tremendous potential to accelerate shifts in market share, revenue and profit pools. It is predicted to pervade into all major system and gadgets.
Lt. Gen Subarta Saha, PVSM UYSM YSM VSM (Retd), Member – NSAB & Chief Mentor, PHD Defence & HLS Committee, appreciated the collaboration of ITPO and PHD Chamber who have come together to discuss the promising Defence and Homeland Security sector at the Expo.
Shri Rajiv Bhatnagar, Chairman, PHD Defence & HLS Committee gave his concluding remarks and thanked all distinguished policymakers, delegates, stakeholders and guests for making the success of Expo 2019. He said there is a need to promote indigenously developed defence technology, resources and state-of-art infrastructure to build a world class defence industry based in the country.
Lt. Gen Balbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former DGST, Indian Army, said that the security forces are the visible arms of any nation and technology plays a crucial role in the defence sector. We have the technology and need to integrate our vision and mission so that the technology becomes more effective and efficient. I believe that this efficiency will lead to further strengthening out nation
Maj Gen Ajay Ohri, SM (Retd), said that, the technology is the backbone of all armed forces and will be the key driver for India to become self-reliant in achieving economies of scale and indigenization. We have to use plausible approach to enhance the capabilities of the technology and also get the end-user in the loop to maximize effectiveness and enhance the quality of use by the end user.
Talking about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in the defence sector, Brig Ashish Chhibbar, PhD, Senior Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), said that with rising security challenges, India needs rapid modernization and reforms in the security structures. He urged the industry to take the lead in creating Domain Specialization Cluster for an AI-enabled eco structure and provide their inputs to the government on regulatory environment, data localization, 5G implementation, data sharing, e-commerce etc.
Shri Jatinder Kochhar, Head, Defence and Government, at Smith Detection, said, we are providing screening solutions and infrastructure security directly to the aviation and defence sectors and also at many airports. We are contributing towards safeguarding our infrastructure from malicious attacks and threats.
Exhibitors were felicitated with awards in different categories:
S.No | Category | Gold – Silver – Bronze
1. Industry Sector – Bare Space Aditya Infotech (CP Plus) DCM Sriram Industries limited Globus Infocom Ltd.
2. Industry Sector – Shell Scheme Flying Fire Services Pvt. Ltd RK & Sons Densho Solutions LLP
3. Government Sector – Bare Space Airport Authority of India Department of Industries, Government of Jharkhand NA
4. Government Sector – Shell Scheme Ordinance Factory Board, Ministry of Defence Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) CENWOTSO (Central Workshop and stores BSF Tekanpur)
Numerous sessions were organized during the day 2 of India International Security Expo, 2019. The sessions were on – Modernisation and Sustenance Requirements of Indian Navy; Investments in Aerospace and Defence; Session on Aerospace & Defence – Invest India; Defence Industrial Corridors, among others.
Modernization and Sustenance Requirements of Indian Navy:
Major General Rajesh Arya emphasized on the modern and sustenance requirements of the India Navy and therefore investments should be encouraged in technologies for the growth of Indian Navy in the coming times.
Rear Admiral Sanjay Misra, VSM, Director General, Directorate General of Naval Armament and Inspection, highlighted the requirements of arms and defence equipments of the country and urged industry to participate in the manufacturing process and suggested technology adoption will go a long way in meeting the needs of defence sector.
Rear Admiral G.K. Harish, VSM, Director General, Directorate of Naval Design (SSG), in his remarks suggested to enhance indigenization and a plethora of opportunities are available for private sector in Indian Navy. Going forward, strengthening research and development to develop green ships will contribute to the growth of Indian Navy.
Cmde Mukesh Bhargava, Member of Board, L&T Defence and Vice President, Larsen & Toubro, said that the India is being given pioneering status for deep seabed mining. India has also emerged as a global centre gravity in the maritime domain. Furthermore, India has led the way by shifting from “Can Do” to “Yes, we did it” through indigenization.
Session on Invest India Aerospace & Defence:
AVM Suresh Singh, AVSM VSM (Retd), said that this is the right time for global investors and private players to invest in the Indian defence sector. “I hope that while achieving USD 5 trillion economy, USD 20 million will come from defence manufacturing alone,” he said.
AVM S Ramakrishnan, VSM, ACAS (MP), Indian Air Force, said that the defence procedure was revised last in 2016 and a strategic model has been created. Innovation ecosystem for defence was launched by the Prime Minister last year to foster innovation and technology in defence.
Ms. Chandrima Sinha, Vice President, Invest India, apprised the participants about the facilitation measures provided by Invest India to encourage investments in Manufacturing sector. We conceptualized the Startup India Hub and helped them to get finance. Through AGNII we are accelerating growth of New India’s innovation.
Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridors:
Talking about the number of initiatives taken by Ministry of Defence, Shri Rohit R P Kujur, Director, Department of Defence production, Ministry of Defence said, “Introduction of defence procurement policy 2016 makes ‘Make In India’ as the most preferred category in procurement.”
Shri T P Rajesh, IAS, Additional Commissioner, Dept of Industries and Commerce and Managing Director of MSME Trade and Investment Promotion Bureau, said, “The MSMEs plays an important role in the growth of defence as well as the country as a whole. It will be a matter of great pride when our prestigious Army will utilize Indian-made defence equipments.”
Lt Gen Jagdeep Kumar Sharma (Retd), Senior Defence Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority, said that India cannot become a superpower if its defence industry is not strong. The Hon’ble Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh guaranteed security to investors, driving industrial confidence in UP.
Shri B. Elangovan, Managing Director, TIDEL Park Ltd, (Nodal Agency for Promotion of Aerospace & Defence Sector in Tamil Nadu), said that the defence corridor is a new initiative of the government of India. The state of Tamil Nadu has taken several initiatives to promote aerospace and defence sector and encourage investment for the growth of defence sector in the state.
Col. K V Kuber, Partner, Ernst & Young, highlighted the importance of sound military base which could be only possible if it is supported with the strong defence sector in the country.