Jharkhand Chief Minister Mr. Hemant Soren has emphasized the state’s strong potential to contribute significantly to India’s defence sector. Speaking at the inaugural session of the East Tech Symposium 2025 (Defence Expo), held at Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, Khelgaon, Mr. Soren highlighted the state’s rich natural resources, including uranium, as key assets for advancing defence manufacturing and nuclear capabilities.
Mr. Soren reiterated Jharkhand’s historical role in India’s industrial development and called for leveraging this strength to meet the country’s defence needs. “Several major industries have been established here, and many small and medium enterprises have flourished,” he said, underlining the symbiotic relationship between defence innovation and industrial capacity.
Revival of Strategic Institutions Like HEC Urged
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the decline of Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) in Ranchi, once a national leader in the production of satellite and nuclear components. He called for a collaborative approach between the state and the Centre to revive such strategic institutions.
“It is painful to see such a premier institution not performing to its potential due to flawed policy decisions,” Mr. Soren remarked, urging for renewed focus on policy reforms and industrial revival to reclaim HEC’s past glory.
Defence Leadership Emphasizes Indigenisation and Tech Integration
Delivering the keynote address, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stressed the urgency of advancing indigenisation in defence manufacturing. “Although India began indigenisation late, we are now on the right path. Strategic selection of weapons and alignment of R&D with modern needs are vital,” he said.
General Chauhan also underscored the significance of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in reshaping the future of defence. He recognized the strategic importance of eastern states like Jharkhand and West Bengal in supporting the Centre’s Act East policy and strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in the defence domain.
High-Level Participation Reflects Strategic Importance
The East Tech Symposium witnessed the participation of several dignitaries, including Jharkhand Governor Mr. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State for Defence Mr. Sanjay Seth, Chief Secretary Ms. Alka Tiwari, Eastern Command chief Lt. Gen. Ramchandra Tiwari, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Mr. Surat Singh. Senior officials from the Defence Ministry and key representatives from the defence industry and academia were also in attendance.
Showcasing Innovation Through Collaboration
The event also featured a comprehensive Defence Expo, where defence experts, MSMEs, industrial houses, and technical institutions showcased indigenous innovations and products. Mr. Soren described the symposium as a “distinctive platform to explore new dimensions in defence” and reaffirmed Jharkhand’s commitment to working in alignment with national priorities.
As India continues its journey towards defence self-reliance, events like East Tech Symposium 2025 are expected to play a critical role in bridging the gap between policy, innovation, and production.
