The East Tech Symposium 2024 is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 6 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata. 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 aims to strengthen the synergy between the Indian defence forces and the industry.
The event will serve as a platform for showcasing innovations in various areas, including long-range surveillance systems, weapons and accessories, communication and electronic warfare equipment, swarm drone technology, healthcare solutions among others. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in No Cost No Commitment (NCNC) trials for ready-to-induct products, enabling direct feedback from military personnel.
A notable feature of this year’s symposium is the release of a ‘Compendium of Problem Statements,’ curated by HQ EC. This document outlines critical operational challenges faced by the Eastern Command and will be unveiled during a webinar in the first week of October 2024, setting the stage for targeted discussions during the symposium.
The inaugural session will be graced by distinguished leaders, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-C Eastern Command. Their addresses will highlight the strategic importance of defence self-reliance and the critical role of the private sector in achieving national security goals.
Throughout the two-day event, participants will have the chance to exhibit their products and solutions to senior military officials and government stakeholders, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations. The symposium will also feature technical sessions focused on defence acquisition procedures, support schemes for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and technology integration. These sessions are designed to provide valuable insights into the procurement process and the support mechanisms available to stimulate innovation in the defence sector.
Recognizing the vital contribution of MSMEs to the defence manufacturing ecosystem, a dedicated session will explore the challenges and opportunities these enterprises face in defence procurement. This emphasis on inclusivity aims to empower smaller players within the industry and drive collective progress.
As anticipation builds for the East Tech Symposium 2024, the event is poised to play a crucial role in advancing the partnership between the Indian defence forces and the industry, ultimately contributing to a more self-reliant and robust defence landscape in India.
