MSMEs ‘key to self-reliant India’, it’s an ‘opportune time’ to engage in defence sector: DRDO chief

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, on Saturday (September 6, 2025) urged micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups to actively participate in defence research and development, calling it an “opportune time” for industry to engage with the sector.

He was speaking at a conclave organised by the Defence Technology and Test Centre (DTTC), Lucknow, at its Amausi campus to promote collaboration with industry for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

Describing the DTTC as the brainchild of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Dr. Kamat said the centre is now bearing fruit for industries. He assured participants that the DRDO would provide all possible support to MSMEs, enabling them to contribute towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the conclave brought together over 100 participants from MSMEs, start-ups and Laghu Udhyog Bharti, who deliberated on skill development, funding for research and development (R&D), technical consultancy, and technology development and transfer by the DRDO.

In a message, the Defence Minister complimented the DRDO and MSMEs for organising the conclave and appreciated their role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of self-reliance in defence.

The event was attended by senior DRDO officials.