The Indian defence landscape has been rapidly evolving, reflecting the nation’s commitment to achieving self-reliance and technological prowess. Central to this transformation is the Eastern Command, the oldest and largest command of the Indian Army, which has been at the forefront of integrating indigenous solutions to meet its diverse operational challenges. The upcoming East Tech Symposium 2024, scheduled for November 5-6 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, is a testament to this endeavour. Organized by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Headquarters Eastern Command (HQ EC), this third edition of the symposium promises to be a groundbreaking event that will further cement the synergy between the Indian defence forces and the industry.

A Legacy of Success: East Tech 2022 and 2023

The East Tech Symposium has a history of fostering collaboration and innovation. The 2022 edition, held at Biswa Bangla Prangan, Kolkata, saw participation from over 200 exhibitors and 500 delegates, leading to the organization of more than 1,000 B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings. The event showcased the potential of Indian MSMEs in contributing to the defence sector. The focus was on leveraging schemes such as the Army Commander’s Special Financial Powers (ACSFP) and the OCPP to expedite the procurement process.

The 2023 edition in Guwahati further expanded this vision. With a larger focus on the unique operational needs of the Eastern and North-Eastern theatres, the event facilitated numerous business opportunities and highlighted the importance of indigenously developed solutions for high-altitude warfare, riverine operations, and counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism missions.

East Tech 2024: Setting the Stage for Strategic Growth

The theme for East Tech 2024, “Army-Industry Partnership: Enhancing Operational Capabilities of Eastern Command,” underscores the strategic importance of the Eastern states as a burgeoning hub for defence manufacturing and innovation. This year’s event aims to build on the success of previous editions by fostering an even closer relationship between the armed forces and the defence industry, particularly focusing on the needs and capabilities of the Eastern Command.

Key Highlights of East Tech 2024

 Compendium of Problem Statements: In a first, HQ EC has curated a ‘Compendium of Problem Statements’ that encapsulates the critical operational challenges faced by the Eastern Command. This document will be released during a webinar in the first week of October 2024.

 Inaugural Session: The symposium will be inaugurated by a distinguished panel, including General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff and Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command. The inaugural address will set the tone for the event, emphasizing the strategic imperatives of defence self-reliance and the role of the private sector in achieving these goals.

 Exhibition and B2G Meetings: Over the two days, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products and solutions to senior officers from the Eastern Command and other government stakeholders.

  Technical Sessions: The symposium will feature technical sessions focused on key areas such as defence acquisition procedures, MSME support schemes, and technology integration. These sessions aim to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the procurement process and the various support mechanisms available to foster innovation and growth in the defence sector.

 Focus on MSMEs: Recognizing the pivotal role of MSMEs in the defence manufacturing ecosystem, East Tech 2024 will dedicate a session to exploring the challenges and opportunities for MSMEs in defence procurement.

Leveraging Indigenous Solutions for Operational Superiority

The Indian defence industry, driven by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ has made significant strides in developing indigenous capabilities. However, the Eastern Command’s operational landscape, which includes diverse terrains such as high-altitude regions, dense forests, and riverine environments, presents unique challenges. The East Tech Symposium 2024 seeks to address all these by encouraging the development and deployment of technologies that are tailored to these specific operational needs.

Defence Manufacturing

The strategic location, robust industrial base, and skilled workforce in the Eastern Region in general and West Bengal’s in particular, make it an ideal hub for defence manufacturing. The state governments, in collaboration with the central government and industry bodies like SIDM and CII, has been actively promoting the development of a defence manufacturing ecosystem. The `East Tech Symposium 2024’ will further this agenda by providing a platform for MSMEs and large enterprises to showcase their capabilities and explore opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Bridging the Gap- Innovation to Implementation

One of the key outcomes of East Tech 2024 is expected to be the identification and shortlisting of technologies and products for trials and subsequent procurement. The symposium will facilitate a structured engagement process, where companies can present their solutions to a panel of experts from the Eastern Command. This process will help in aligning industry capabilities with the specific requirements of the armed forces, thereby accelerating the adoption of indigenous technologies. The event will also serve as a catalyst for research and development in critical areas such as surveillance, communication, mobility, and weapon systems.

The Future of Defence Innovation in India

As India strives to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing, events like the East Tech Symposium play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. By bringing together stakeholders from the defence forces, industry, and government, the symposium creates a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth.

The East Tech Symposium 2024 promises to be a landmark event that will not only showcase the capabilities of the Indian defence industry but also chart a course for the future of defence innovation in the country. With a focus on addressing the unique operational challenges of the Eastern Command, the event will pave the way for the development and deployment of technologies that can enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces.

In Conclusion

The East Tech Symposium 2024 is more than just an exhibition; it is a strategic initiative aimed at creating a self-reliant defence ecosystem in India. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the event will contribute to the nation’s quest for defence self-reliance and operational superiority. For participants, it offers a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative journey and contribute to the future of India’s defence capabilities.