Modern capabilities driven by disruptive tech, deeper collaboration with start-ups & innovators key for self-reliance in defence, says Secretary (Defence Production)

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar has called for deeper collaboration with start-ups & innovators to strengthen the technological backbone of the country and achieve the goal of Aatmanirbharta in defence. Addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue organised by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi on November 12, 2025, he emphasised the importance of working with young entrepreneurs & innovators to achieve advancements in new areas and strengthen the technological backbone of defence systems.

The Secretary (Defence Production) noted that the most modern capabilities are now driven by disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, quantum computing etc. Therefore, he said, seamless exchange of ideas and information between stakeholders is essential for accelerating innovation and developing deployable solutions.

Shri Sanjeev Kumar emphasised the critical role of space technology in modern warfare preparedness and noted that initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) are empowering start-ups and MSMEs to drive innovation in new-age technologies, thereby strengthening India’s path towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

The Delhi Defence Dialogue was organised on the theme ‘Harnessing New-Age Technology for Defence Capability Development’. The two-day event brought together senior government officials, Armed Forces leadership, industry, and experts to discuss how emerging technologies such as AI, Quantum Computing, Robotics, and Unmanned Systems can enhance defence preparedness and foster an innovation-driven ecosystem.