The Sapta Shakti Command, Jaipur, under the Gyan Shakti Think Tank (GSTT), hosted its inaugural seminar on “Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan” at the Jaipur Military Station on November 11, 2024. Organized in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the event aimed to highlight Rajasthan’s potential in the defence manufacturing sector.
Honourable Minister for Industry & Commerce, IT & Communications, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, along with FICCI Co-chairman Mr. Ankit Mehta, graced the occasion. Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the strategic and economic importance of fostering a robust defence ecosystem within the state.
A New Platform for Defence Expertise and National Growth
The establishment of GSTT marks a pioneering step by the Sapta Shakti Command, bringing together veterans, industry leaders, academia, and scholars under one roof to drive discussions on defence, national security, and strategic vision aligned with India's development goals. This platform, described as a “Centre of Excellence,” aims to unify and harness the expertise of veterans and experts toward advancing national defence capabilities and regional growth.
In his speech, Colonel Rathore commended the initiative, emphasizing Rajasthan’s immense potential to become a hub for defence manufacturing and R&D. He further pledged government support to strengthen self-reliance in defence and enhance Rajasthan’s role in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Rajasthan’s Strategic Potential for Defence Ecosystem
Lt Gen Manjinder Singh’s address highlighted Rajasthan’s geographic and infrastructural advantages. As a state with the largest land borders with western adversaries, he noted, Rajasthan offers strong road, rail, and air connectivity, ample land, and a vibrant MSME base—making it an ideal choice for a defence ecosystem capable of meeting domestic and export demands.
The seminar also aligned with the “Rising Rajasthan” vision of transforming the state into a $350 billion economy by 2029, as articulated by the Chief Minister. According to Lt Gen Singh, leveraging Rajasthan’s industrial capacity will not only drive defence sector growth but also contribute significantly to the state’s overall economic development.
Industry Participation and Key Highlights
The event attracted representatives from over 29 industries and MSMEs, alongside 23 exhibitions by various defence agencies, startups, and manufacturing firms. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge capabilities, prototypes, and innovations in defence manufacturing and services, marking an impressive collaborative effort among the military, industry, and academia.
The seminar, being the first initiative under GSTT, sets a strong precedent for future endeavours aimed at developing Rajasthan as a leading defence manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hub. By uniting key stakeholders, GSTT intends to accelerate regional and national growth in line with the Government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
In closing remarks, both military and industry leaders expressed optimism about the long-term impacts of GSTT and the path it charts for a more self-reliant and strategically capable India.(PR)