Powering India’s Defence Manufacturing: Rajnath Singh Unveils New DRDO–Industry Roadmap #DefenceMinister #RajnathSingh has called for #stronger #collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (#DRDO) and the #Indiandefenceindustry, with a special focus on integrating #MSMEs and start-ups into the country’s defence supply chain. Addressing the #VIMARSH’ DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet, the Raksha Mantri highlighted the need to deepen industry participation in defence #research, #innovation and #manufacturing to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a #global defence production hub. During the event, Rajnath Singh unveiled several key #policy initiatives aimed at creating a more supportive #ecosystem for MSMEs and start-ups in the defence sector. A new framework to facilitate the sharing of #software source codes with licensee industries was also launched, aimed at strengthening #technology #transfer and enabling greater industrial participation. The event also witnessed the handover of nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (#ToT) to 13 manufacturing partners, further strengthening the link between DRDO-developed technologies and Indian industry. In addition, #MoUs were exchanged to expand DRDO’s industry outreach, encouraging wider participation from emerging enterprises and technology-driven companies in defence development and manufacturing. Emphasising the strategic importance of industry collaboration, Rajnath Singh said that MSMEs and start-ups must become integral parts of India’s defence supply chain. He stressed that a stronger partnership between DRDO and industry would help translate indigenous technologies into scalable production and strengthen India’s technological self-reliance. The Defence Minister underlined that the vision of ‘#ViksitBharat’ extends beyond economic growth, encompassing a nation that is economically strong, technologically self-reliant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and strategically secure. The initiatives announced at VIMARSH are expected to further bridge the gap between defence research and industrial production, while creating greater opportunities for Indian enterprises to contribute to the country’s evolving defence ecosystem. Details: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.… K & K Media Network Founder Journalist Beena R Khemani @startupindia