Defence startups key to maritime security: ENC chief
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), on Monday underscored the need for more sophisticated, technology-led startups in the defence sector, citing evolving global maritime security challenges.
Addressing the ICC Defence Start-up & Autonomous Systems Summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Bhalla highlighted the strategic importance of safeguarding India’s maritime interests and maintaining a credible presence in the Indo-Pacific to ensure economic security.
He said modernisation driven by indigenous defence manufacturing remains central to achieving strategic autonomy. Emerging technologies and domestic small enterprises, he added, are increasingly shaping India’s national security framework.
Former defence scientist and Andhra Pradesh government advisor G. Satheesh Reddy pointed to the State’s potential in defence production, noting that Andhra Pradesh has the infrastructure and ecosystem required to support the development of advanced defence systems.
Commodore P.R. Hari (Retd.), Chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee, said MSMEs and startups are playing a critical role in driving innovation and could help accelerate military modernisation.
Earlier, ICC Director General Rajeev Singh lauded the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative for strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
A knowledge report titled “Defence Production Powering Industrial Growth” was released at the summit, outlining the defence sector’s contribution to broader economic expansion.