GCCI organized “Vendor Development Program in Defence Sector” at Gandhinagar
GCCI along with Department of Defence Production, Government of India, Industry & Mines Department, Government of Gujarat and Laghu Udyog Bharati organized “Vendor Development Program in Defence Sector” at Hotel The Leela, Gandhinagar on 11th August, 2025
Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) in association with Department of Defence Production, Government of India, Department of Industries and Mines, Government of Gujarat and Laghu Udyog Bharati organized a Vendor Development Program focused on the “Defence sector” at Hotel The Leela, Gandhinagar. This event was aimed to promote the vision “Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence”, with particular emphasis on empowering MSMEs and startups to participate meaningfully in India’s fast growing Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem.
The Vendor Development programme saw participation from major players in the defence sectors viz. DRDO Laboratories, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, and Rashtriya Raksha University.
The programme was graced by Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Industries, Cottage, Khadi and Rural Industries, Civil Aviation, Labour and Employment, Government of Gujarat Shri Balvantsinhji Rajput as well as Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Defence Production, Government of India, Smt. Mamta Verma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, Smt. Manisha Chandra, IAS, Joint Secretary, Defence Production, Government of India, Shri Swaroop P, IAS, Industries Commissioner, Gujarat, Shri Sandip Sagale, IAS, Commissioner, MSME, Shri K. C. Sampat, IAS, M.D. iNDEXTb, Shri Lokesh Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Defence, Shri Naresh Babuta, General Manager, SIDBI, Major General Shri A.K. Channan from DRDO, Shri Rajesh Gandhi, Senior Vice President, GCCI, Shri Sudhanshu Mehta, Hon. Secretary, GCCI, Shri Bipendrasinh Jadeja, Hon. Secretary Regional, GCCI, Shri Gaurang Bhagat, Hon. Treasurer, GCCI, Shri Baldevbhai Prajapati, President, Laghu Udyog Bharati and Shri Hansraj Gajera, Laghu Udyog Bharti.
The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Shri K. C. Sampat, M.D. iNDEXTb. He emphasized the strategic imperative of achieving self-reliance in the Defence sector and the pivotal role Gujarat-based industries can play in supporting this national objective. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to transforming India into a global Defence manufacturing hub.
In his opening remarks Shri Rajesh Gandhi, Senior Vice President, GCCI, reaffirmed GCCI’s commitment to developing an enabling industrial ecosystem that nurtures MSMEs and startups, especially in sectors of strategic importance such as Defence. He further highlighted GCCI’s continued efforts to provide platform to industry stakeholders & the policy makers. He remarked about Government’s forming and enabling Defence Policy and its implementation and also vendor policy to accelerate progress in Defence manufacturing. He remarked that Small Scale Industries in Gujarat are ready to embark upon defence manufacturing and there is also excellent infrastructure for this purpose in our state.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Baldevbhai Prajapati, President, Laghu Udyog Bharati encouraged MSMEs to seize emerging opportunities under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative by embracing innovation and aligning operations with Defence procurement norms.
Smt. Manisha Chandra, IAS, Joint Secretary, Defence Production, Government of India, outlined the national roadmap for Defence self-reliance, underscoring the importance of private sector collaboration and the need to broaden the vendor base. She remarked about the local manufacturing of defence equipment and also the huge increase in their exports. She remarked about India’s transformation from a defence importer to the defence equipment exporter. She remarked about the ample scope in Defence sector for the state of Gujarat. She emphasized the need to take manufacturing activities to tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
Giving the keynote address Smt. Mamta Verma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat elaborated on the state’s robust industrial infrastructure and policy ecosystem supporting Defence manufacturing, including cluster development, financial incentives, and skill enhancement programs. She emphasized the need to come out of the comfort zone and focus on innovation. She also elaborated upon Government’s support to Small Scale Industries.
Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Defence Production, Government of India highlighted the need for state-level vendor networks and elaborated upon Gujarat’s strength and potential towards defence manufacturing. He elaborated upon the demand and supply chain in this regard. He mentioned about India’s emergence as a serious defence player. He also mentioned about the incorporation of AI, Machine Learning, Automation etc. in defence production. He remarked about creating demand, producing arms and the availablility of support and funds from Government for defence industry.
Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Government of Gujarat, Shri Balvantsinhji Rajput addressed the gathering. He appreciated the Central Government, the State Government, GCCI and Laghu Udyog getting together in organizing this important programme. He remarked how India was fast striding towards becoming the third major economy from its present position of fourth major economy. He mentioned that the Road Map towards “Vision 2047” is ready and we must move forward according to the same. He remarked about “Skill India” as well as “Vocal for Local”. He mentioned about Government’s commitment to understand the aspirations of entrepreneurs before formulating of Government policies. He also remarked about creating a “Skill University” where emloyees and labour shall get needed skills. He also remarked about the huge increase in Budget for the facilitation of Defence Sector, Make in India and Atmanirbhar mission. He remarked about the implementation of policies for the benefit of defence industry. He remarked that when there is a young population and local manufacturing in defence, then victory is a natural outcome.
Following the inaugural session, the program transitioned into technical and thematic presentations.
Shri Lokesh Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Defence, led a session highlighting the crucial role of MSMEs in achieving self-reliance in the Defence sector.
A Defence startup, Swadeshi Empresa Pvt. Ltd., presented insights into startup contributions to the Defence ecosystem.
Shri Hansraj Gajera, Laghu Udyog Bharti, proposed the Vote of Thanks, commending the strong collaboration among stakeholders.
The afternoon session opened with a presentation by Shri Naresh Babuta, General Manager, SIDBI, detailing the financial assistance available under the ‘CASH DEFENCE’ scheme, aimed at supporting MSMEs in accessing capital and leveraging policy benefits. This was followed by a presentation from TATA Advanced Systems, outlining their vendor engagement strategy and procurement requirements.
Subsequent presentations were delivered by key Defence sector players such as L&T Precision Engineering & Systems and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), who shared their vendor development strategies and expectations from MSME partners.
Major General A.K. Channan, representing DRDO laboratories, provided an overview of current Defence Procurement Procedures and avenues for industry collaboration.
The session concluded with a presentation by a representative from Rashtriya Raksha University, focusing on innovation and startup involvement in Defence through academic partnerships.
The seminar culminated in an interactive Q&A session, wherein participants engaged directly with officials and industry leaders to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities within the Defence sector.
