Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, called on defence equipment MSMEs and startups to think beyond conventional approaches and stay ahead of the technology curve, crediting Operation Sindoor's success in part to the effectiveness of indigenous weapons and systems. Seth was addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Operation Sindoor and the Case for Aatmanirbharta

Seth commended the armed forces for dismantling what he described as the "nefarious designs" of India's adversaries by eliminating terror hideouts during Operation Sindoor. He attributed the operation's success not only to the courage of defence personnel but also to the complementary role of homegrown, state-of-the-art equipment.

"The effective use of Made-in-India equipment is testimony to the resolve of the entire nation — the government, Defence Public Sector Undertakings and the private sector, especially innovators, startups and MSMEs — to achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence," Seth said.

MSMEs as the Backbone of Defence Innovation

Seth described MSMEs as the backbone of the Indian economy and positioned them as central to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. "Our startups and MSMEs are the driving force for future growth and will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. They are the Vishwakarmas of our age," he said.

He underscored that record defence production and export figures were proof of the emergence of a 'New India' that believes in strengthening its own capabilities to safeguard national interests. "This New India does not cast an evil eye on anyone, nor does it look the other way if someone tries to threaten its sovereignty," he added.

UP Defence Industrial Corridor and Government Support

Seth highlighted the transformative impact of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor and urged industry stakeholders to build on its momentum. He reaffirmed the Union government's full support for continuous innovation, describing it as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort.

Army's Call for Industry Partnership

Also addressing the symposium, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, urged the private sector to partner with the defence forces to meet current operational requirements in emerging domains. "Self-reliance will lead to strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and operational tailoring," he said.

About the North Tech Symposium 2026

The three-day North Tech Symposium 2026 has been organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, themed 'Raksha Triveni Sangam — Where Technology, Industry and Soldiering Converge'. The event, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, features 284 stalls by private defence manufacturers showcasing cutting-edge defence technology.

As India's defence export ambitions grow and the lessons of Operation Sindoor shape procurement priorities, the symposium signals an accelerating push to close the gap between indigenous capability and operational readiness.