Engineers Urged to Prioritize Defence Research at Conclave

India’s Central government has significantly increased the budget allocation for the defence sector, aiming to enhance the nation’s military capabilities. This announcement was made by Vijay Kumar Saraswat, a member of the NITI Aayog, during the Defence Science Conclave held on March 15, 2024, in Vijayawada. The event was organized by the NRI Institute of Technology and Pharmacy in collaboration with the Academy for Science, Technology and Communication (ASTC), Hyderabad. The conclave commemorated the contributions of notable figures such as former Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister Suri Bhagavantam and former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

During his address, Saraswat urged engineering students to engage actively in defence research as part of a broader effort to fortify India’s security framework. He emphasized that “defence science today is a highly multidisciplinary field,” highlighting the necessity for innovation and development in this sector.

Reflecting on India’s historical context, Saraswat noted that prior to independence in 1947, the British established India’s defence manufacturing facilities primarily to support their military efforts during World War II. He explained, “While weapons and equipment were supplied from the UK, ordnance factories in India were set up to handle repairs, maintenance, and supply-chain support for these imported systems.” This historical backdrop underscores the importance of indigenous capabilities, especially following India’s experience during the undeclared war with Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir shortly after independence.

Saraswat recounted how Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, recognized the strategic need for a robust scientific organisation similar to the UK’s defence research structure. With guidance from his close associate, Patrick Blackett, Nehru initiated the establishment of India’s defence research framework. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of Daulat Singh Kothari, a prominent physicist, in founding the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The DRDO has evolved significantly since its inception in 1952. From a few laboratories, it has expanded into a vast network engaged in various areas of defence research, including missiles, nuclear technology, and weaponry. Saraswat praised the foundational contributions of eminent scientists such as Suri Bhagavantam and Raja Ramanna, who were instrumental in developing India’s self-reliant defence sector.

In his remarks, D. N. Reddy, former Vice-Chancellor of JNTU-Hyderabad and former Chairman of DRDO, called on young engineers to create defence systems that uphold international standards. He encouraged them to take on the responsibility of developing technologies capable of addressing emerging threats effectively.

The conclave featured contributions from other notable scientists, including SVS Narayana Murthy, R. Balamurali Krishna, and molecular biologist Ch. Mohan Rao. Attendees included K.R.S. Sambasiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalayatan University, C. Naga Bhaskar, CEO of NRI Institute of Technology, and ASTC Secretary C.L. Narasimha Rao, among others.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and research organizations in advancing India’s defence capabilities and ensuring national security. With increased investment and a focus on indigenous development, the future of defence research in India appears poised for significant growth and innovation.