CDS Gen Anil Chauhan during his address at FICCI Ammo India 2024 Conference.
New Delhi: The chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, stressed upon the importance of achieving strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing during his address at the Ammo India 2024 Conference, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (Ficci). The event, held in the national capital on Thursday, focused on advancing India’s defence-manufacturing capabilities amid global disruptions.
In his speech, Gen Chauhan emphasized the unique opportunity presented by the current geopolitical environment, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). He highlighted that these global disruptions have created an opportunity for India to transition from being an importer to an exporter of ammunition.
Highlighting the critical need for India to enhance its defence-manufacturing capabilities and achieve “atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in ammunition production, Gen Chauhan underscored the importance of achieving strategic autonomy for the nation. He outlined various policy changes, reforms, and initiatives undertaken by the defence ministry and the armed forces to promote the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, particularly in ammunition manufacturing.
The CDS also called for a robust collaboration between the three services, defence industries, and the scientific community, including academia, to bolster the nation’s efforts towards self-reliance. He stressed the significance of civil-military collaboration in driving the atmanirbharta agenda forward.
The conference featured discussions on a wide range of topics, including ammunition requirements for tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, artillery, air defence, aerial and naval systems, munitions for unmanned platforms, loitering ammunition, futuristic munitions, and small arms. Gen Chauhan also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing advancements in indigenous munitions manufacturing.
