Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 5 : The 'East Tech 2024' defence technology symposium commenced on Tuesday at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by Aroop Biswas, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Power & Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, Government of West Bengal, alongside Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.
The distinguished gathering included the Corps Commander of Brahmastra Corps, and numerous dignitaries from the Military, Para-Military Forces, and Civil administration.
An initiative by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), East Tech 2024 is designed to spotlight cutting-edge technologies aimed at addressing operational challenges in the Eastern Theatre and the Indian Army as a whole. The event has covered an extensive range of technological innovations, including Communications, Tactical Mobility, Protection and Sustenance, Survivability, AI, Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies, Robotics, and Firepower solutions.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC addressed attendees through a recorded video message, highlighting the importance of advancing indigenous defence technology to meet the operational needs of the Indian Army, in alignment with Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
The Army Commander, in his keynote address, highlighted Eastern Command's critical role as the largest operational command of the Indian Army, facing a spectrum of challenges ranging from conventional warfare to counter-terrorism, cyber threats, and grey-zone warfare. These operational demands require the constant modernization of field formations and the integration of indigenous technology to strengthen the Command's readiness. He emphasised the event's goal of equipping the Eastern Command with advanced indigenous technology to tackle critical operational challenges.
Ravinder Singh Bhatia, President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), emphasized the event's unique role in mobilizing MSMEs from the Eastern Region especially West Bengal, which ranks second in MSME numbers nationwide, towards defence production. He underscored that East Tech 2024 provides a critical platform to engage these enterprises, fostering innovation and national defence contributions.
The minister highlighted the state's pivotal role in the nation's defence ecosystem, noting that West Bengal, with the country's second-largest number of MSMEs, is uniquely positioned to support India's defence manufacturing goals. He expressed hope in the state's potential to drive innovation and technological advancement, helping to meet the Indian Army's evolving operational needs.
The response from the Indian Defence Manufacturers has been overwhelming and over 150 representatives from Indian Manufacturers including MSMEs, from across the country have arrived in the city of joy to showcase their latest and the most advanced weapon & equipment technology at the event. The event heralded a new era of self-reliance in the development and induction of niche technology in the defence sector.
During the event, the Minister and the Army Commander toured various stalls to inspect the innovative products on display and met with defence manufacturers to discuss their contributions.
In recognition of their support, the army commander presented mementoes to representatives from CII, SIDM and other industry partners.