MSMEs in Tripura can drive defense modernization through innovation, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.

Agartala, Tripura, January 10, 2025: Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata organized a one day awareness program on ‘Evolving Local to Focal – Focus MSME Entrepreneurs’ in partnership with Department of Defense Production, Ministry of Defence, Government of India at Agartala today.

The objective of this awareness session was to outline the business opportunities available to MSMEs and enable them to become more competitive in defense manufacturing and exports. The session was co-sponsored by Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Association of Industries and Commerce, Agartala.

At the event, Shri Balpreet Singh, Manager, Aerospace & Defence, Ernst & Young LLP, highlighted the existing capabilities in Tripura to be leveraged by MSMEs and startups to be part of the aerospace and defense supply chain. can be taken for Mr. Singh observed that the state’s proximity to Southeast Asia could attract investment for supply chain integration and logistics hubs. Moreover, the abundance of rubber, bamboo and other raw materials in the state can be used for lightweight materials required in defence.

Mr. Singh urged the state government officials to promote innovation in bamboo composites for defense applications as well as explore hydrocarbon reserves for energy-intensive industries.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, IOFS, Deputy Director General (M&P), Defense Investment and Corridor Cell, Department of Defense Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Shri Mishra, in his address, briefly outlined the steps taken by the DDP to attract Indian industry to build a domestic defense industrial ecosystem. Projects undertaken by the Department of Defense Production are aimed at design, equipment, systems, major platforms or their upgrading by industry. Shri Mishra further informed that projects up to Rs. 100 crores is earmarked for MSMEs and eligibility conditions like CRISII rating, turnover, profitability etc. have been relaxed for MSME manufacturers. Further, the Defense Offset Guidelines have paved the way for active participation of MSMEs by including a multiplier scheme of 1.5 for inclusion of MSMEs as Indian offset partners, Shri Mishra added. That promotes their integration into the global supply chain.

Sabyasachi Debbarma Jt Director Industries Deptt Tripura

Shri SK Maji, Chief Manager Integrated Material Management, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tripura highlighted the opportunities for MSMEs to contribute to the growth of India’s defense sector through the Srijan Portal, which promotes Make in India defense manufacturing. Giving is an initiative. He urged Tripura’s MSME ventures, particularly from the rubber and bamboo industry, to take advantage of growth and development opportunities, to step up and contribute to the growing defense sector. He reiterated HAL’s commitment to help MSMEs realize their full potential through handholding, skill sharing, and fostering collaboration.

Shri Akhilesh Kumar Mishra IOFS addressing

Chief Guest Shri Sabyasachi Debbarma, Joint Director, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura to contribute to India’s Defense Transformation of Tripura Emphasized the immense potential of The state’s rich natural resources, skilled manpower, manpower and strategic location for India’s advanced sources make it a prime location for defense manufacturing. Makes an ideal destination. Shri Debbarma said that by fostering partnerships between local industries, start-ups and defense PSUs, Tripura will modernize India’s defence. can contribute to efforts, drive economic growth and employment opportunities.

Shri Debarma observed that the most important advantage of Tripura lies in its untapped potential. The defense manufacturing sector covers a wide range of industries, including critical components made from materials such as rubber, textiles and composites. Tripura’s strengths in these areas, such as high-quality rubber, can be used to make tires, seals and gaskets for military vehicles and equipment. By harnessing these diversified industries, India can promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports, and open new opportunities for growth and innovation, he added.

In his address, Dr. Shiladitya Munshi, Professor, Techno India University, Tripura, outlined how MSMEs can produce high-quality defense vehicle components, rubber-based products for tactical gear, bullet-proof jackets, and shock absorbers. Avoidance can leverage resources to produce content. – Effective solutions that are compatible with the Make in India initiative, thereby reducing dependence on imports. Dr Munshi also highlighted the role of the Techno India Knowledge Campus, noting that its innovation councils provide assistance with incubation, technical support, IPR support, and digital transformation. Sharing success stories, he highlighted the development of a hexacopter ‘Sidharshana’ aimed at border surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat zones as well as production of low-cost paver blocks especially for extreme weather conditions and terrains. are designed to withstand

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Rajkumar Agarwal, Vice President, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata highlighted the vast opportunities for MSMEs in India’s growing defense manufacturing sector, driven by supportive government policies, including Tripura. of Industrial Policy 2019 and Tripura initiatives. Industrial Development Corporation Limited With the Ministry of Defense declaring 2025 as the Year of Reforms, MSMEs in Tripura can drive defense modernization through innovation, technology transfer and public-private partnerships, which will strengthen India’s defense sector. I am playing an important role, added Shri Agarwal.

Mr. Agarwal suggested that the Tripura government should consider framing its aerospace and defense manufacturing policy keeping in view the state’s abundant natural resources and growing MSME sector. The move will bring Tripura in line with other states like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, which have already implemented similar policies to support defense manufacturing.