New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday called on India’s defence manufacturing sector to embed nationalism and responsibility into its profit-driven operations, stressing that national security and industrial growth must go hand in hand.
Speaking at the second edition of the Brainstorming Session (BSS 2.0) at the Manekshaw Centre, Gen Chauhan highlighted the critical role of both public and private players, including PSUs and MSMEs, in shaping India’s future defence capabilities.
Addressing industry leaders, he emphasised the importance of delivering on commitments. “We expect a bit of nationalism and patriotism in your profit-driven endeavours,” he said. “If you sign a contract and fail to deliver on time, it is not merely a delay—it is a capability being lost.” Gen Chauhan urged firms to maintain transparency in assessing indigenous capacities and ensure timely delivery of systems crucial to national security.
The CDS also underlined the need for competitive pricing. “You have to be cost-competitive to compete in the foreign market. Overpriced products will hinder India’s ambitions as a defence exporter. And you must deliver,” he said, stressing that global competitiveness is vital for the long-term health of India’s defence ecosystem.
Gen Chauhan highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, stressing that success hinges on technological superiority. “War is all about winning. There are no runners-up, no silver medals for valiant efforts,” he said, reminding the industry that preparedness is non-negotiable.
He noted that while soldiers do not fight daily, they must constantly plan for future conflicts, train accordingly, and ensure technological readiness. “Historically, geography shaped battles. Today, technology increasingly dominates outcomes,” he observed.
The CDS urged the defence industry to uphold integrity, innovate fearlessly, and maintain an unwavering commitment to national interest as India accelerates towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
