Defence Ministry pushes IAF indigenisation at ‘SANKALP’ seminar
New Delhi. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on July 30 stressed the need to build a stronger indigenous defence ecosystem driven by innovation, saying ideas must be translated into practical products that enhance India’s military capabilities.
Addressing the ‘SANKALP’ seminar on indigenisation in New Delhi, Seth said the country’s self-reliance drive in defence was aimed at strengthening the domestic ecosystem through innovation and technological development. The seminar was jointly organised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
‘SANKALP’, which stands for Self-reliance, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Native Development and Knowledge Linked Partnership, brought together senior defence officials, industry representatives and academia to discuss ways to accelerate indigenisation in the aerospace sector.
The minister said such platforms would facilitate discussions among stakeholders on key areas including indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), component manufacturing, certification, technology absorption and the future requirements of the aerospace sector.
During the event, Seth also released the publication, SANKALP 2026: Problem Statements of the Indian Air Force, in the presence of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, SIDM President Arun T Ramchandani, senior IAF officers and industry leaders.
Air Marshal Sanjay Ghuratia, Air Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), delivered the inaugural address.
The seminar focused on the Indian Air Force’s indigenisation priorities, sustainment requirements and emerging technological advancements. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the armed forces, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), SIDM, defence industry and academic institutions.
Industry participants showcased indigenous aerospace technologies and capabilities during the event, highlighting the growing role of the domestic defence manufacturing sector in supporting the armed forces.
The seminar concluded with focused business-to-business interactions involving IAF representatives, industry participants, CEMILAC and DGAQA to explore collaborative opportunities for indigenous development and certification.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the event reinforced the shared commitment of the government, the armed forces and industry towards achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
