Kolkata, Nov 6: The ‘East Tech 2024’ defence technology symposium launched today at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, gathering experts, industry leaders, and officials to explore innovations aimed at enhancing operational capabilities in the Indian Army’s Eastern Theatre.
Jointly organized by the Eastern Command, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the event underscores India’s focus on indigenous defence solutions. West Bengal’s Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs, Power, Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, Aroop Biswas, opened the event, emphasizing the strategic role of West Bengal in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Biswas noted the state’s extensive MSME presence and potential to support defence technology advancements, aligning with India’s goal of self-reliance in defence.
According to the Ministry of Defence, East Tech 2024 covers a spectrum of technological advancements critical to military readiness, including AI, communications, tactical mobility, drone technologies, robotics, and firepower solutions.
Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-C of Eastern Command, highlighted the Eastern Command’s multifaceted challenges, such as conventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and emerging cyber and grey-zone threats. He stressed the importance of continuous modernization and integrating indigenous technologies to meet operational needs. The symposium, he stated, is essential for bolstering the Command’s capabilities with advanced, homegrown solutions.
‘East Tech 2024’ serves as a collaborative platform, aiming to boost India’s defence readiness while fostering partnerships across government, industry, and technology sectors.
