DIAT Convocation In Pune: Raksha Mantri Urges Advancements in Cyber and Space Technology
Khadakwasla, 15th May 2023: In his address at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, Maharashtra, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh called upon research institutes to accelerate their efforts in advanced technology. Singh emphasized the need for India to be fully equipped to combat emerging threats in the domains of cyber and space.
Singh highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape of global politics and economics, stressing the importance of staying ahead in the fields of science, technology, and warfare. He emphasized the urgency of progress in advanced technology to address non-kinetic or contactless warfare, which is becoming increasingly prevalent. Singh stated, “If our adversary possesses more advanced technologies, it can be a cause of concern for us in the future.”
The Raksha Mantri acknowledged the interconnectedness between cutting-edge technologies and defense research. He called upon institutions like DIAT to generate innovative solutions that would benefit both the defense sector and civilians alike.
Addressing the government’s vision of achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defense, Singh highlighted its crucial role in strengthening the country’s security apparatus. However, he clarified that self-reliance did not imply isolation from the world. He emphasized, “Today, the world has become a global village, and isolation isn’t possible. The aim of self-reliance is to meet the needs of the Armed Forces while fulfilling the security requirements of our friendly countries.”
Singh expressed concerns about the dependence on defense equipment imports, as it can hinder India’s strategic autonomy. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is therefore making significant efforts to achieve self-reliance in the defense sector. Singh emphasized the importance of reducing imports and becoming a net exporter to strengthen the economy and increase employment opportunities.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted several steps taken by the Ministry of Defense to promote self-reliance, including the issuance of positive indigenization lists for both the Armed Forces and Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). These lists comprise various systems, equipment, and components that are strategically important for defense.
Singh also emphasized the government’s focus on innovation, citing India’s position as the second-largest hub for start-ups. He mentioned the Defense India Start-up Challenge, which has received over 6,000 applications, demonstrating the significant contribution of Indian start-ups in pursuit of self-reliance in the defense sector. Singh noted the increase in patent filings as a sign of India’s innovative prowess.
Highlighting the visible results of the government’s efforts, Singh mentioned that India is now manufacturing rifles, BrahMos missiles, Light Combat Aircraft, and indigenous aircraft carriers. Defense exports have also seen a manifold increase, reaching approximately Rs 16,000 crore in the financial year 2022-23, compared to Rs 900 crore in 2014. India’s manufacturing capabilities have garnered interest and faith from various countries, leading to exports of defense equipment.
During the convocation, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, who also serves as the Chancellor of DIAT, awarded degrees to 283 students, including 261 M.Tech./M.Sc. students and 22 Ph.D. students from various disciplines. Additionally, 20 gold medals were awarded. Singh witnessed laboratory demonstrations of various frontier research activities conducted at DIAT, including free-space entanglement distribution, biomedical healthcare devices, nuclear-diamond batteries, drone interception and combat technology, terahertz applications.
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