Overview
On 30 July 2026, Ministry of Defence organised a joint seminar titled SANKALP. The event was chaired by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and co‑hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM). The seminar focused on accelerating indigenisation in defence production.
Key Developments
- Chairman Shri Sanjay Seth highlighted that indigenisation aims to build a robust defence ecosystem where innovation translates into usable products.
- The platform will enable stakeholders to discuss MRO, component manufacturing, certification, technology absorption and future aerospace needs.
- A book titled SANKALP 2026: Problem Statements of Indian Air Force was launched in the presence of Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and SIDM President Shri Arun T. Ramchandani.
- Senior IAF officers, industry leaders, and representatives from CEMILAC and DGAQA participated.
Important Facts
- Event date: 30 July 2026; venue: New Delhi.
- Key speakers included Air Marshal Sanjay Ghuratia (Air Officer‑in‑charge, Maintenance) and senior IAF officials.
- Business‑to‑Business (B2B) interactions were held between IAF, industry, CEMILAC and DGAQA to explore collaborative projects.
- The seminar underscored a shared commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Exam Relevance
The seminar touches upon several UPSC syllabus areas. Understanding the role of the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Minister is essential for GS‑2 (Polity). The push for indigenisation aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, a key topic in GS‑3 (Economy). Knowledge of bodies like CEMILAC and DGAQA helps answer questions on defence procurement, certification, and quality assurance.
Way Forward
To translate seminar discussions into tangible outcomes, the government should:
- Formulate clear guidelines for MRO and component certification.
- Strengthen public‑private partnerships through bodies like SIDM.
- Allocate dedicated R&D funds for aerospace technologies identified in the SANKALP 2026 problem statements.
- Encourage skill development programmes to build a skilled workforce for indigenous defence manufacturing.
These steps will deepen India’s self‑reliance, reduce import bills, and enhance strategic autonomy.