Start-ups & MSMEs driving force to realise Viksit Bharat goal: MoS
Published: May 06, 2026
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, MAY 06, 2026: "INDIA'S military might is forged in the factories of our defence industries," said Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth as he credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the unmatched courage and determination of the defence forces, further bolstered by the effectiveness of indigenously-developed state-of-the-art weapons & systems. Addressing the North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on May 05, 2026, he described MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy and start-ups as the brand ambassadors of the country. "Our start-ups and MSMEs are the driving force for future growth and will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. They are the Vishwakarmas of our age," he said.
Raksha Mantri commended the defence forces for dismantling the nefarious designs of India's adversaries by eliminating terror hideouts during Op Sindoor. The effective use of Made-in-India equipment is testimony to the resolve of the entire nation - the Government, DPSUs & the private sector, especially innovators, start-ups & MSMEs - to achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence, he said.
Raksha Rajya Mantri asserted that record defence production and defence exports figures are proof of the emergence of New India which believes in strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests. "This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it look the other way if someone tries to threaten its sovereignty," he added.
Emphasising that the technology deployed today may become obsolete tomorrow, Raksha Rajya Mantri urged the industry to think outside-the-box and strive to stay ahead of the technology curve amidst the global uncertainties. He highlighted the Government's initiatives to strengthen the defence ecosystem of the country. Innovation is a continuous process, he said, extending the Government's full support. He acknowledged the transformative impact of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and exhorted the industry to take the growth to greater heights.
Speaking on the occasion, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta urged the industry to join hands with the defence forces to fulfill the current operational requirements in emerging domains and contribute in making the Indian Army a future-ready force. Self-reliance will lead to strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty and operational tailoring, he said.
The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026 has been organised by Indian Army's Northern & Central Commands and SIDM on the theme 'Raksha Triveni Sangam - Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge'. The event, which was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on May 04, 2026, features 284 stalls by private defence manufacturers, showcasing cutting edge defence technology. Demonstrations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones, counter UAVs, (All Terrain Vehicles), surveillance equipment and other defence products are also being held as part of the event.
GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma; GOC, 1 Corps Lieutenant General V Hariharan; President, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Arun T Ramchandani; industry captains; innovators; start-ups and academia representatives attended the session.
