Jammu, Oct 10: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma has urged Indian defence manufacturers, MSMEs and startups to move beyond technology supply and become strategic partners in building a self-reliant defence ecosystem.
Addressing the plenary session of the annual seminar organised by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), on “Reflections from North Tech Symposium 2026 and the Way Forward,” he highlighted the need for indigenous innovation, advanced technologies and stronger collaboration between the armed forces and domestic industry.
Sharing operational insights from Northern Command, Lt Gen Sharma outlined the Command’s responsibilities during Operation Sindoor, stating that it was tasked with destroying seven of the nine identified camps during the 88-hour operation.
He also highlighted the challenging environment along the Line of Control, citing frequent exchanges of fire and ceasefire violations, including artillery exchanges involving nearly 12,000 rounds during the operation. Engagements also continued in the aerial and missile domains, he said.
The Army Commander stressed that lessons from contemporary military operations must translate into greater technological preparedness, enhanced operational capabilities and faster indigenisation under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He called for sustained partnerships among the armed forces, defence manufacturers, MSMEs and startups to develop advanced, reliable and indigenous solutions for evolving national security requirements.
The seminar brought together industry leaders, innovators and defence stakeholders to exchange operational experiences, explore emerging technologies and strengthen India’s pursuit of a technologically advanced and self-reliant defence sector.
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