KOLKATA, NOV 05: The much-anticipated East Tech 2024 defence technology symposium opened on Tuesday at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence innovation efforts.
As per the handout issued here, the East Tech 2024 has been inaugurated by Aroop Biswas, Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Power & Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, Government of West Bengal, the event featured a distinguished lineup of guests, including Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. The symposium gathered high-ranking officials, military personnel, and representatives from the Para-Military Forces and Civil Administration.
Organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), East Tech 2024 aims to showcase and promote cutting-edge technologies tailored to the operational challenges faced in the Eastern Theatre and across the Indian Army. The event’s focus spans a wide array of innovative solutions in fields such as Communications, Tactical Mobility, Protection & Sustenance, Survivability, Artificial Intelligence, Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies, Robotics, and Firepower enhancements.
In a recorded message, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff, underscored the importance of advancing indigenous defence technology to meet the operational needs of the Indian Army in alignment with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. His address highlighted the necessity of self-reliance in defence as a critical component of India’s strategic preparedness.
Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, in his keynote address, emphasized the Eastern Command’s vital role as the Indian Army’s largest operational command, which regularly faces diverse challenges, from conventional warfare to counter-terrorism, cyber threats, and grey-zone warfare. To address these demands, he noted the importance of modernization and the integration of indigenous technologies into the Command’s operations. He remarked, “Our goal with East Tech 2024 is to equip the Eastern Command with cutting-edge technology that can enhance our readiness and responsiveness to current and future threats.”
SIDM President Shri Ravinder Singh Bhatia highlighted the event’s unique role in engaging Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly from West Bengal, which holds the nation’s second-largest MSME base. He emphasized, “East Tech 2024 serves as a crucial platform for MSMEs to connect with the defence sector, fostering innovation and contributing to national security. This engagement is pivotal for self-reliance in defence technology and production.”
In his address, Shri Aroop Biswas expressed pride in West Bengal’s contribution to the nation’s defence ecosystem, particularly through its robust MSME sector. “West Bengal is uniquely positioned to support India’s defence manufacturing goals,” he stated, “and the state has enormous potential to drive innovation that meets the evolving needs of the Indian Army.”
The symposium has drawn an enthusiastic response from the Indian defence industry, with over 150 representatives from leading manufacturers and MSMEs across the country participating to display their latest weapons, equipment, and technology. The event signifies a new era of self-reliance in defence development, fostering the induction of niche, indigenous technologies into India’s military framework.
Throughout the day, the Hon’ble Minister and the Army Commander toured the exhibition stalls, viewing the innovations on display and interacting with defence manufacturers about their contributions to the nation’s security infrastructure. In recognition of their support and partnership, the Army Commander presented mementos to representatives from CII, SIDM, and other industry partners.
