Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The significant role of indigenous weapons and systems in bolstering India’s military capabilities was underscored at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj. Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, emphasized that the success of operations like ‘Sindoor’ is a testament to the courage of defence forces and the efficacy of domestically developed technology.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, stated that India’s military prowess is fundamentally shaped by its domestic defence manufacturing sector. He credited the unwavering courage and determination of the armed forces, amplified by the effectiveness of state-of-the-art indigenous weapons and systems, for the success of Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the symposium in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on May 05, 2026, Seth described Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups as critical pillars of the Indian economy and potent ambassadors for the nation. He further articulated that these entities are the driving force for future economic expansion and will be instrumental in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, referring to them as the ‘Vishwakarmas of our age’.
The Minister of State commended the defence forces for successfully thwarting the malicious intentions of adversaries by dismantling terrorist hideouts during ‘Op Sindoor’. He highlighted the effective deployment of ‘Made-in-India’ equipment as concrete evidence of the nation’s collective commitment – spanning the government, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and the private sector, particularly innovators, startups, and MSMEs – towards achieving self-reliance in defence, or ‘Aatmanirbharta’.
Seth asserted that the record-breaking figures in defence production and exports are irrefutable proof of the emergence of a ‘New India’ that prioritizes strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests. He remarked that this ‘New India’ neither harbors ill intentions towards other nations nor passively observes any attempts to infringe upon its sovereignty.
Recognizing the rapid pace of technological evolution, where current innovations can quickly become obsolete, the Minister of State urged the industry to adopt a forward-thinking approach and continuously strive to remain at the forefront of technological advancements amidst global uncertainties. He elaborated on the government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at fortifying the country’s defence ecosystem, emphasizing that innovation is a perpetual process and pledging the government’s full support.
Seth specifically acknowledged the transformative impact of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and encouraged the industry to further accelerate its growth trajectory. Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command, also addressed the gathering, calling for collaborative efforts between the industry and defence forces to meet current operational requirements in emerging domains and contribute to the development of a future-ready Indian Army.
He further stated that achieving self-reliance would pave the way for strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and enhanced operational tailoring. The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026, themed ‘Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge’, has been jointly organized by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
The event, inaugurated on May 04, 2026, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, features 284 stalls showcasing cutting-edge defence technology from private manufacturers. The symposium also includes demonstrations of various defence products such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, counter-UAV systems, all-terrain vehicles, and surveillance equipment.
Attendees at the session included Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command; Lieutenant General V Hariharan, GOC, 1 Corps; Shri Arun T Ramchandani, President of SIDM; prominent industry leaders; innovators; startup representatives; and academia delegates.
The Chenab Times News Desk