Kolkata: The defence technology symposium, East Tech 2024 began on Wednesday at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, drawing attention to India’s efforts in modernizing and indigenizing its defence capabilities. The event was inaugurated by Aroop Biswas, the Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Power & Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, Government of West Bengal, joined by Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C of the Eastern Command. Distinguished guests included the Corps Commander of Brahmastra Corps, along with numerous dignitaries from military, para-military, and civil sectors.
An initiative led by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), East Tech 2024 showcases advanced technologies aimed at tackling operational challenges specific to the Eastern Theatre and the Indian Army. A broad array of innovations was presented, including advancements in communications, tactical mobility, protection, sustenance, survivability, AI, drones, counter-drone technologies, robotics, and firepower.
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‘East Tech 2024’ Kicks Off At Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan In Kolkata
Addressing attendees through a recorded video, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, stressed the significance of advancing indigenous defence technology to meet the Indian Army’s operational needs. He highlighted the alignment of these efforts with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Lt Gen Tiwari, in his keynote speech, emphasized Eastern Command’s role as the largest operational command of the Indian Army, tasked with responding to a variety of threats, from conventional warfare to cyber and grey-zone conflicts. He underscored the need for continuous modernization of field formations, including integrating indigenous technology to ensure the Command’s preparedness. The event, he added, seeks to equip Eastern Command with cutting-edge indigenous technology, vital to addressing evolving operational demands.
Ravinder Singh Bhatia, President of SIDM, highlighted East Tech 2024’s unique focus on engaging MSMEs from the Eastern Region, especially West Bengal, which ranks second nationwide in the number of MSMEs. Bhatia praised the platform for its role in fostering innovation and encouraging regional enterprises to contribute to national defence.
The Minister also noted West Bengal’s key position in India’s defence ecosystem. With a substantial MSME base, the state is poised to drive defence manufacturing and technological advancements. Expressing optimism, he highlighted the event’s potential in bolstering India's defence sector through home-grown innovations.
The Indian defence manufacturing industry’s response to East Tech 2024 has been robust, with over 150 representatives, including MSMEs, from across India gathering to display their latest weapons and equipment. This response symbolizes a promising step toward self-reliance in defence technology development and deployment.
During the event, the Hon’ble Minister and Lt Gen Tiwari toured exhibition stalls, reviewing the innovations on display and engaging with defence manufacturers on their contributions. In a gesture of appreciation, the Army Commander presented mementos to representatives from CII, SIDM, and other industry partners, acknowledging their support in making East Tech 2024 a significant milestone in India's defence advancements.