New Delhi, July 30: Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Thursday chaired the joint Indian Air Force (IAF)-Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) seminar ‘SANKALP’ in New Delhi, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The seminar, jointly organised by the IAF and SIDM, focused on advancing defence indigenisation. SANKALP stands for Self-reliance, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Native Development and Knowledge-Linked Partnership.
In his keynote address, Seth said the objective of indigenisation is to build a stronger defence ecosystem where innovation is translated into practical products that enhance India’s defence preparedness. He said platforms such as SANKALP provide stakeholders with an opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate on indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), component manufacturing, certification, technology absorption and future aerospace requirements.
During the event, the Minister also launched the book “SANKALP 2026: Problem Statements of Indian Air Force” in the presence of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, SIDM President Arun T. Ramchandani, senior IAF officers and industry leaders. Earlier, Air Marshal Sanjay Ghuratia, Air Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), delivered the inaugural address.
The seminar featured discussions on the Indian Air Force’s indigenisation priorities, sustainment requirements and emerging technological advancements. Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the armed forces, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), SIDM, industry and academia participated in the event.
Industry partners also showcased indigenous aerospace technologies and capabilities, while focused business-to-business interactions were held between IAF representatives, industry participants, CEMILAC and DGAQA to explore future collaborations.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to accelerate defence self-reliance and strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. (PIB)
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