The East Tech Symposium 2024, held on November 5-6 at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, marked a transformative milestone in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem. Hosted jointly by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Eastern Command, and the Government of West Bengal, the event epitomized synergy among the Armed Forces, the defence industry, and government stakeholders. Building on the legacy of its 2022 and 2023 editions, this year’s symposium focused on enhancing operational capabilities in the eastern theatre, a region of strategic significance.

Theme and Objectives

Under the theme “Military Excellence through Indigenous Technology”, the symposium underscored the imperative for collaboration to achieve technological self-reliance in defence. The event aimed to bridge gaps between operational needs and industry capabilities, emphasizing indigenous solutions to the unique challenges of the Eastern Command’s diverse operational environment.

The Strategic Framework of East Tech 2024

While curating the sessions, special care was taken to add value for all stakeholders who participated in the two day symposium. In additions to the inaugural session which was addressed by the chief of army staff [Cos] and the army commander and the valedictory session which was addressed by the chief of staff open brackets Cos], there were 3 technical sessions. While if first Session was meant to discuss the problem statements, and the second session was meant to showcase the capability of the Defence Industry to the Military participants. A third session meant for the MSMEs in the defence sector brought out the opportunities available and the procedures, processes and compliances required for realise them.

The various Procurement Departments of Eastern Command covering requirements of the General Staff, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, EME, Ordnance and the Supply Corps were highlighted to the Industries. The officers were very forthcoming in discussing the various operational environments in which the equipment needed to be deployed and gave recommendations of how to overcome some of the constraints with the imported items currently being supplied to them.

On a special request from the government of West Bengal special session was curated for the MSMEs of the state wherein speakers from the defence forces including the Army Design Bureau, the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, Credit Extending Institution, Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Government e-Marketplace [GeM] outlined the various opportunities available for MSMEs to partake in the current Defence Industry boom. The session saw intense Q&A among the participants. Mr Rajest Pandey, IAS, Secretary MSME, Govt of West Bengal chaired the meeting and candidly answered all questions pertaining to the incentives and opportunities offered by the state government for MSMEs starting new ventures in the state. At the end of the session, many Industry captains had a closed door meeting with Mr Pandey, Secretary MSME, GoWB.

For the uniformed fraternity, the industry highlighted an array of technologies available with the defence industry today within the boundaries of the country. Many of the officers spoken to admitted that they were not aware that the Indian Defence Industry add matured to this extent over the last decade. The session moderated by SIDM covered a wide array of subjects from Unmanned Systems, Quantum and AI, Robotics, Surveillance, High Altitude Solutions including self-heating habitat in sub zero conditions, was attended by 6 Major Generals from the Eastern Command who queried the speakers on specifics that addressed their needs in the Eastern Theatre.

Participation

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, featuring over 150 exhibitors and stakeholders, including MSMEs, start-ups, and large enterprises. Industry leaders, government officials, and military officers deliberated on pressing challenges and explored innovative solutions, reflecting India’s aspirations under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives.

Key Highlights

Inaugural Ceremony

General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Shri Aroop Biswas, Cabinet Minister in the Government of West Bengal, and Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command, set the tone with thought-provoking addresses on the need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. They emphasized the strategic importance of indigenous innovation to enhance operational capabilities.

Compendium of Problem Statements

A cornerstone of the symposium was the physical release of a Compendium of Problem Statements by the Eastern Command. This document outlined specific operational challenges such as high-altitude logistics, surveillance gaps, and troop welfare needs. It invited the industry to respond with tailored, practical solutions. The same document was discussed in a webinar earlier by the Lt Gen RC Srikanth, VSM, Chief of Staff (COS)

Exhibition and B2G Engagement

The exhibition showcased cutting-edge technologies, ranging from advanced surveillance systems to high-mobility tactical vehicles. The Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings facilitated over 500 interactions between industry representatives and defence procurement officials, fostering direct engagement and collaborative opportunities.

Technical Sessions: Bridging Gaps with Innovation

Session 1: Operational Challenges and Solutions

The Eastern Command highlighted critical operational issues, including:

o             Logistics in Extreme Terrains: Solutions were sought for mobility across altitudes ranging from 900 to 23,500 feet, including portable, energy-efficient heating systems for troops.

o             Surveillance Gaps: AI-integrated drones, acoustic radars, and foliage-penetration radars emerged as crucial needs.

o             Sustainable Solutions: Lightweight septic systems, improved nutrition for long-range patrols, and anti-freeze systems for water pumps were identified as priorities.

Session 2: Showcasing Technological Maturity

This session highlighted innovations in:

o             Drone Technology: Surveillance and counter-drone systems designed for non-GPS environments.

o             Energy Solutions: Long-lasting batteries and EMP-resilient systems for high-altitude conditions.

o             AI Integration: Quantum key encryption for secure communications and AI-driven satellite imagery interpretation.

Session 3: Empowering MSMEs and Start-ups

Focusing on integrating MSMEs and start-ups into the defence supply chain, this session addressed:

o             Various schemes under Army Design Bureau for innovation in Defence.

o             Access to financing through SIDBI and GeM initiatives.

o             Technical support from iDEX and DRDO’s DTDF programs, which offer grants and R&D collaboration opportunities.

o             Local talent utilization to strengthen the Eastern Region’s defence manufacturing base.

Outcomes and Future Prospects Immediate Impacts

Many showcased solutions were shortlisted for trials under the No Cost No Commitment (NCNC) framework. The Eastern Command plans to leverage the Army Commander’s Special Financial Powers (ACSFP) and the OCPP to procure viable solutions before the financial year’s close.

Long-Term Vision

The symposium emphasized the need for a dedicated defence manufacturing hub in the Eastern Region. Such a hub would harness local talent, promote MSME growth, and bolster the national quest for defence self-reliance. Additionally, initiatives like the Srijan Portal and iDEX are expected to play a pivotal role in aligning private sector capabilities with defence needs.

In Conclusion, East Tech Symposium 2024 successfully demonstrated the potential of Indian MSMEs, start-ups, and large enterprises to address the unique challenges faced by the armed forces. By fostering a collaborative environment, the event not only highlighted India’s technological prowess but also charted a roadmap for its future as a global defence manufacturing leader. As the Indian Army adopts innovative, indigenously developed solutions, East Tech 2024 will be remembered as a landmark in India’s journey toward achieving defence self-reliance.