In a significant step toward realising the vision of Viksit Bharat and promoting self-reliance in India’s defence ecosystem, the DefTech Conclave 2025 is set to take place on August 8, 2025, at the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, Pashan, Pune. The day-long event, themed Atmanirbharta in Naval and Material Technologies, is a platform for defence veterans, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scientific institutions to engage in constructive dialogue and build collaborative frameworks for indigenization and innovation.
Organized by a collective of defence professionals and experts, the DefTech Conclave is part of a broader mission to support national objectives through focused policy inputs and strategic recommendations. In recent years, the group has submitted key proposals to the Government of India, including the formation of a Defence Industrial Corridor in Maharashtra, the establishment of Naval Shipbuilding and Repair Facilities at Vadhawan Port, and ongoing work in rare earth element sourcing in collaboration with Australian mines and India.
Empowering the Indian Defence Ecosystem
The program begins with an opening session at 9:30 AM, followed by a keynote presentation by the Director of Indigenisation, Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, focusing on the roadmap for indigenisation in naval technologies. This segment will address critical areas, including vendor partnerships, IP rights, testing procedures, and developmental contracts, with a special emphasis on opportunities for Indian MSMEs and technology developers.
A dedicated session on Vendor Development by the Indian Navy will demystify procurement mechanisms, registration norms, inspection protocols, and tender processes. Officers from the Materials Organization, Mumbai will provide in-depth presentations, ensuring attendees gain clarity on how to become part of the Indian Navy’s supply chain.
Post lunch, the IREL (India) Limited, under the Department of Atomic Energy, will shed light on the global rare earth crisis and India’s emerging solutions in critical materials. This is particularly timely as India seeks to reduce its dependency on imported rare earths, essential elements for defence, electronics, and clean energy technologies.
Strategic Industry and International Engagements
The afternoon sessions will showcase major players and government organisations at the forefront of defence indigenisation. Defence establishments will share insights into collaborative development models, followed by several sessions focusing on defence manufacturing, critical minerals, and empowerment of MSMEs in the Defence Technology ecosystem.
India’s leading private defence manufacturer Bharat Forge will present on the evolving dynamics of working with the Indian defence sector, reflecting the growing role of private enterprises in building sovereign capabilities.
Concluding the technical sessions, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) will provide an overview of their procurement and registration process, alongside their efforts to boost exports and indigenisation. A senior MDL official will address queries from potential vendors and industry players. The conclave will culminate with a Vote of Thanks and an informal dinner gathering, an opportunity for deeper engagement and networking among defence stakeholders.
