In a recent statement, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the Army Commander of Southern Command, emphasized the significance of self-reliance in India’s defense strategy. He noted that Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, is essential for the nation’s security and autonomy. For the army, this isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a critical approach to ensuring operational readiness and fostering innovation.
“Atmanirbharta involves more than just cutting down on defense imports. It’s about giving ourselves the freedom to choose and equipping our forces with technology developed in India,” he explained.
Gen. Seth highlighted the bigger picture of a developed India by 2047, focusing on two crucial aspects: a secure Bharat and a self-reliant Bharat. He stressed that defense self-reliance is a vital part of this vision.
To bridge the gap between research and military application, the Indian Army is collaborating closely with academic institutions and startups. “We want to tap into the innovative spirit of academia and the industry to modernize our forces,” he said.
He pointed to successful partnerships in initiatives like the Academia Technology Symposium, where the Army teamed up with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to create new technologies. For example, the development of the Sambhav smartphone marked a significant step forward during Operation Sindoor.
India’s Southern Command is well-positioned for this innovation push, home to many prestigious research institutions, including numerous IITs and DRDO labs. “About 60% of India’s small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups are based in South India. We are actively supporting these firms to enhance their contributions to defense,” he noted.
Concluding his remarks, Gen. Seth reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defense capabilities. The aim is straightforward: equip India to effectively defend itself with homegrown solutions. He also mentioned Prime Minister Modi’s mantra of JAI—Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation—as a guiding framework for future military strategy.
Recent statistics show a growing interest in defense startups, with a 25% increase in venture capital investments in Indian defense technology from 2022 to 2023. This indicates a strengthening ecosystem for innovation that aligns with the military’s goals.
As the focus on self-reliance continues, the trend emphasizes the importance of domestic production in securing India’s future—not just for defense but for overall economic growth, too.
For more on this topic, you can check out the information from the [Ministry of Defence](https://www.mod.gov.in/).
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Atmanirbhar Bharat, self-reliance in defence, Indian Army innovation, defence preparedness India, strategic autonomy India, indigenous defence systems, defence startups India, defence research India
