New Delhi: 17,000 MSMEs in the defence sector are helping India move closer to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said that nearly 17,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are now connected with the country’s defence sector. The announcement was made during the SANKALP workshop on indigenisation, jointly organised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
Indian Defence Sector Growth: What Did The Defence Minister Say
Speaking after the SANKALP workshop, Sanjay Seth said the government’s main objective is to make the entire defence sector indigenous and self-reliant under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He added that the Indian Air Force, SIDM, industry and startup communities are working together with a shared commitment to make India a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Read also: India Launches New Defence Digital Platform to Connect Armed Forces With Domestic Manufacturers
What Is SANKALP
SANKALP is an indigenisation initiative that stands for:
- S – Self-Reliance
- A – Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- N – Native Development
- KLP – Knowledge Linked Partnership
The initiative provides a platform where the armed forces, industry, MSMEs, startups and experts discuss defence requirements, technology and innovation to increase indigenous manufacturing.
Workshop Focused On Innovation And Indigenisation
According to the Ministry of Defence, the SANKALP workshop aimed to create a stronger defence ecosystem where innovative ideas can be converted into practical products that strengthen India’s military capabilities.
The event also encouraged discussions on the Indian Air Force’s future indigenisation priorities, sustainment requirements and emerging defence technologies.
Book On Indian Air Force Problem Statements Released
During the event, Sanjay Seth released the book “SANKALP 2026: Problem Statements of Indian Air Force” in the presence of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and senior defence officials. The publication highlights operational challenges and innovation opportunities where Indian industry and MSMEs can contribute with indigenous solutions.
Indian Defence Sector Growth: Why Are MSMEs Important For India’s Defence Sector
MSMEs play a major role in developing defence equipment, components, electronics, aerospace systems, drones and advanced technologies. They also help large defence companies by supplying specialised parts, improving manufacturing capacity and reducing dependence on imports. Government programmes such as Make in India, Technology Development Fund (TDF) and iDEX encourage greater MSME participation.
How Will This Indian Defence Sector Growth Help India By 2047
Greater participation of MSMEs is expected to:
- Increase indigenous defence production.
- Promote innovation and research.
- Generate employment opportunities.
- Reduce dependence on imported defence equipment.
- Strengthen India’s defence exports.
- Support the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.
These efforts are aligned with the Government of India’s long-term strategy to build a globally competitive and self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Read also: Indian Army GeM Capital Procurement 2026: Key Details, Benefits and Impact on Defence Sector
