Indian Defence Manufacturing Conclave concludes with focus on strengthening domestic defence supply chain, promoting ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

 

 

 

 

The Indian Defence Manufacturing Conclave 2025 successfully concluded its second day at Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) on Saturday with a focused Vendor Development Program (VDP) and extensive Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, aimed at strengthening domestic defence supply chain and promoting ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

 

The Conclave was formally inaugurated by B Rajesh Kanna, General Manager, AVNL, VFJ, ensuring a critical platform for major defence stakeholders to articulate their strategic requirements. Representatives from prominent Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers

 

(OEMs) including AVNL, BEL, HAL, BDL, TASL, AWEIL, Ashok Leyland, MIL, MIDHANI, GRSE, and IOL presented detailed information through Powerpoint presentations on their respective production policies, supply chain structures, and procurement procedures. This transparent information exchange was specifically designed to facilitate participation from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and local vendors, allowing them to explore clear and accessible avenues for mutual trade and collaboration within the defence manufacturing ecosystem. The second session was dedicated to structured B2B engagements, bringing together all participating DPSUs, OEMs, MSMEs, and startups.

 

These meetings proved highly productive, resulting in the finalization of several bilateral deals and the establishment of a concrete roadmap for future production activities. Praveen Kumar, Chief General Manager (CGM), VFJ, actively participated in the B2B sessions and engaged in detailed discussions with representatives from various organizations regarding strategies for enhanced and more efficient production in the coming years.

 

Nearly all the PSUs and OEMs expressed unanimous expectation for active cooperation from MSMEs and local vendors in the development and manufacturing of new, indigenous defence products. There was a clear indication of a readiness to establish joint development efforts to produce cutting-edge defence technology. The event saw the presence of a distinguished gathering, including all General Managers and senior officials from VFJ, along with Praveen Dhiman and a significant contingent from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). In parallel with the business program, the Defence Conclave exhibition continued to attract a steady stream of visitors keen to view the showcased new and innovative defense equipment and products.