New Delhi: The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has extended his greetings to the organisers and participants of the upcoming ‘Defence Partnership Days 2025’ event, underscoring its significance in advancing Atmanirbhar initiatives within India’s defence sector. Scheduled to take place from December 1 to 2 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, the two-day event is poised to bolster cooperation between the Indian Armed Forces and the defence industry, fostering indigenous capabilities and resilient supply chains.
In his official message, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said, “I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the organisers and participants of Defence Partnership Days 2025.” He emphasized that the event provides an invaluable platform for the Indian Armed Forces and the defence industry to engage in meaningful dialogue, share expertise, and forge stronger partnerships. “Such collaboration is critical to fostering innovation and achieving Atmanirbharta in defence technology, which forms the cornerstone of a secure and resilient nation,” he added.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has highlighted the event’s objectives through a post on X, stating, “The event will foster closer cooperation between the Armed Forces and the defence industry to identify sources of indigenous supply, promote import substitution, and build resilient supply chains towards a more Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh reiterated the IAF’s commitment to self-reliance, stating, “The Indian Air Force is committed to leading and supporting indigenous solutions that enhance its operational capability and meet its self-reliance goals.” He expressed confidence that the deliberations and initiatives undertaken during Defence Partnership Days 2025 will yield tangible results, energise India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, and strengthen overall preparedness. “I encourage all participants to capitalise on this opportunity for constructive engagement, knowledge sharing, and effective collaboration,” he said.
The event will bring together prime contractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, MSMEs, start-ups, industry associations, and investors. These stakeholders will gather at the Manekshaw Centre to interact with key Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Service Headquarters nodal and project officers. The discussions will focus on procurement, indigenisation, Make 1, Make 2, import substitution, problem statements, General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs), Request for Information (RFIs), Request for Proposal (RFPs), and design and development. The goal is to seek and offer solutions that strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces and expand the boundaries of their own businesses.
As India continues to prioritise self-reliance in defence, events like Defence Partnership Days 2025 play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country’s defence sector. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the event aims to propel India towards greater independence in defence technology and manufacturing, ultimately contributing to national security and resilience.