Rajnath calls for self-reliance in critical technologies at DRDO Directors’ Conference

New Delhi: Speaking at the inaugural session of the 41^st Directors' Conference of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon defence scientists to strive for developing cutting-edge technologies indigenously to make India not only self-reliant in defence manufacturing but also a global leader in the field. The of the conference this year is 'Technology Leadership for Empowering India'.

Cost effective and time efficient tech-development

Emphasising that research and maintaining operational superiority is the need of the hour, Singh said, the world is changing and advanced & disruptive technologies are emerging at a rapid pace. He called for developing 'indigenous innovation ecosystem' with less dependence on imported systems to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies. "Development of technology should be cost effective and time efficient," he added.

Stressing the need to bridge the technology gap for India to become a global leader in research and development, he urged the scientists to focus on technologies that provide cutting edge capability and remain relevant for the next 15-20 years. "There are certain limitations in technology and there is a gestation period for the development of products. It is possible that during the gestation period of complex systems, new technical requirements emerge. Spiral development should be given priority for such systems," he further said.

"Develope indigenous innovation ecosystem' with less dependence on imported systems to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies, development of technology should be cost effective and time efficient,"- Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister

Suggesting an intense interaction between DRDO and all stakeholders, Shri Rajnath Singh urged scientists to devise an action plan for excellence in Defence R&D that can take India to renewed heights in defence capability. He said, with concerted efforts, India can become a 'technology exporter', which will have multi-dimensional benefits. The DRDO Directors' Conference was organised on 88^th birth anniversary of former President Bharat Ratna Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.

Rajnath congratulated DRDO for achieving all targets earmarked for 100 days and lauded the organisation for setting a target to become fully self-reliant in the next five years. He commended DRDO for its vast contribution in providing direct and indirect employment and helping the people as well as Armed Forces personnel in far-flung areas such as Ladakh.

NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria, Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy addressed the gathering. Secretary (Defence Production) Subhash Chandra, eminent scientists and senior officials of Ministry of Defence were also present on the occasion.