At the Ammo India 2024 Conference in New Delhi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical role of India’s defense ecosystem in transforming the nation from an importer to an exporter of defense munitions. Highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the global geopolitical landscape, Gen Chauhan called for a unified effort towards self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan addressed the Ammo India 2024 Conference, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi on August 8, 2024, highlighting the urgent need for India to accelerate its defense manufacturing capabilities. In light of the ongoing global disruptions, he stressed the importance of shifting from being a major importer to becoming a key exporter of munitions and ammunition.
Gen Chauhan outlined the current global geopolitical environment as highly volatile and unpredictable, characterized by the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) of the world. He noted that the global arms industry is currently struggling with a widening demand and supply gap, a challenge that also presents a unique opportunity for India to strengthen its defense manufacturing sector.
The CDS underscored the importance of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense, positioning it as central to India’s strategic autonomy. He highlighted various policy changes, reforms, and initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces to promote the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” drives, particularly concerning ammunition manufacturing. These efforts aim to ensure that India not only meets its defense requirements but also emerges as a global supplier in the defense sector.
Emphasizing the need for Civil-Military Fusion, Gen Chauhan called upon the collaborative efforts of the Indian Armed Forces, defense industries, and the scientific community, including academia, to work together towards achieving the nation’s Aatmanirbharta goals.
The Ammo India 2024 conference featured in-depth discussions on various ammunition requirements, including those for Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Artillery, Air Defense, Aerial and Naval platforms, munitions for unmanned systems, loitering ammunition, futuristic munitions, and small arms. The event also showcased an exhibition focused on Aatmanirbharta in munitions, which was inaugurated by the CDS himself.
As India navigates through a complex and evolving global landscape, the push for Aatmanirbharta in defense is more critical than ever. Gen Anil Chauhan’s call to action at Ammo India 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the need for unity and innovation across the defense ecosystem to secure India’s place as a leading defense exporter.
