Suhail Khan
New Delhi, May 6 : The Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, on Wednesday described the North Tech Symposium as a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defence sector, emphasising that the initiative brings together users, industry, and academia under a common platform.
In a video message accessed The Web Story/The Varmul Post Lt Gen. Sharma stated that the symposium is being held in the historic city of Prayagraj, situated at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Themed ‘Defence Triveni Confluence’, the event aims to integrate ideas, innovation, and operational experience into the armed forces’ capabilities, he said.
For the first time, two frontline commands of the Indian Army have united on one stage to share operational experience, the Army Commander said. He identified the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPDA) as co-participants.
Lt Gen Sharma said the symposium will see armed forces, industries, start-ups, innovators, and academic institutions collaborate to find solutions to critical operational challenges. Describing the present as a turning point in a fast-changing battlefield, he observed that innovation not only aids ideas but also shapes them.
The Defence Minister’s announcement of the ‘Year of Reforms’ and subsequent joint efforts have reduced the gap between ideas and innovation, Lt Gen Sharma added. He said the initiative is inspired by the principles of ‘Jai’ — Jointness, Independence, and Innovation — which is crucial for modernising combat capability.
The symposium provides industry partners a platform to showcase technical capabilities and understand end-user requirements in depth, the Army Commander said, adding that this would enable the Indian defence industry to produce customised weaponry. He emphasised that the event will deliver practical technological solutions for soldiers guarding the nation’s borders.
Based on operational challenges faced by the Army, focus teams will ensure clear problem statements, immediate feedback, and practical solutions, Lt Gen Sharma said. He said that the cooperative model brings together end-users, innovation partners, industry, start-ups, and academia, with technical seminars, equipment displays, and army innovations adding value to the event.
Lt Gen Sharma also highlighted an unprecedented level of coordination among the armed forces, industry, academia, and government institutions. He expressed gratitude to all participants, government agencies, SIDM, and UPDA, stating that their cooperation had made the project a real success.
