Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh calls for synergy in technology, research, and industry at STRIDE 2025 seminar in Pune
Pune, Maharashtra, September 12, 2025 — Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh has emphasised the need for greater collaboration among public and private industry, research institutes such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and academia to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces in today’s evolving security environment.
He was addressing the inaugural STRIDE 2025 seminar on the theme ‘Synergy of Technology, Research & Defence Ecosystem’ organised by the Southern Command of the Indian Army in Pune.
The Defence Secretary underlined that technological disruptions are rapidly changing the nature of warfare as well as the business of industry. He called on all stakeholders to stay abreast of the latest trends and work together to achieve the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
“Technological superiority and industrial strength often determine the outcome of war,” Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh said, stressing the need for the defence industry to grow alongside the broader manufacturing sector to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat and a $30 trillion economy by 2047. He added that this transition would boost innovation, strengthen India’s startup ecosystem, widen the industrial base, increase manufacturing’s share of GDP, and create jobs with dual-use technology benefits.
He also noted that ongoing global conflicts have triggered competitive populism, economic protectionism, and the decline of multilateralism. In such a context, he said, “there is a need to back our soft power, as hard power is becoming more critical.”
Highlighting reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government, the Defence Secretary listed key measures including the revision of the Defence Procurement Manual (2009) and the Defence Acquisition Procedure (2020) to make them more dynamic, outcome-focused, and less process-heavy. He urged further efforts to lower entry barriers for the private sector, encourage grassroots innovation, and ensure fair competitive bidding to diversify India’s defence industrial base.
Appreciating the private sector’s growing role in strengthening the defence industry, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called for increased investments in R&D and manufacturing capacity. “Defence is a domain wherein orders may come sporadically, but with the right technology and engineering strength, companies can sustain themselves through domestic and export orders,” he added.
In his address, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth highlighted the importance of a Whole-of-Nation approach to achieve self-reliance in defence capabilities.
The event brought together experts from the Armed Forces, veterans, DRDO, Public Sector Undertakings, private industry, academia, and think tanks to chart a roadmap for an indigenous defence ecosystem. The seminar featured panel discussions on:
- Fast-tracking niche technologies through reverse engineering and industry-funded academic research;
- Strengthening the role of DRDO in driving indigenous innovation;
- Accelerating defence manufacturing growth through collaboration among industry, PSUs, and academia.
A vibrant equipment display showcased cutting-edge indigenous innovations, promoting partnerships and collaboration toward building future-ready defence capabilities.
The seminar reaffirmed Southern Command’s commitment to advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening the national defence ecosystem at both regional and national levels.
Source: Ministry of Defence
