East Tech 2024: A Showcase of Defence Innovations in Kolkata
The ‘East Tech 2024’ defence technology symposium began on Tuesday at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by Aroop Biswas, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Power & Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, Government of West Bengal, along with Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.
This initiative by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), aims to highlight advanced technologies to address operational challenges in the Eastern Theatre and the Indian Army. The event features innovations in Communications, Tactical Mobility, Protection and Sustenance, AI, Drone Technologies, Robotics, and Firepower solutions.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, addressed attendees via a recorded message, stressing the importance of indigenous defence technology in line with Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The Army Commander emphasized the Eastern Command’s role in facing challenges like conventional warfare and cyber threats, requiring modernization and indigenous technology integration.
Ravinder Singh Bhatia, President of SIDM, highlighted the event’s role in engaging MSMEs from the Eastern Region, especially West Bengal, in defence production. Over 150 representatives from Indian Manufacturers, including MSMEs, showcased their latest technologies at the event.
The Minister and Army Commander toured stalls to inspect innovative products and met with defence manufacturers. Mementoes were presented to representatives from CII, SIDM, and other industry partners in recognition of their support.
Doubts Revealed
East Tech 2024 -: East Tech 2024 is an event where new and advanced defence technologies are shown. It takes place in Kolkata, a big city in India.
Aroop Biswas -: Aroop Biswas is a person who helps in the government of West Bengal, a state in India. He was one of the important people who started the East Tech 2024 event.
Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari -: Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Army. He also helped start the East Tech 2024 event.
Eastern Command -: The Eastern Command is a part of the Indian Army that looks after the eastern part of India. They helped organize the East Tech 2024 event.
CII -: CII stands for Confederation of Indian Industry. It is a group that helps businesses in India grow and succeed.
SIDM -: SIDM stands for Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. It is a group that supports companies making defence equipment in India.
General Upendra Dwivedi -: General Upendra Dwivedi is a senior officer in the Indian Army. He talked about how important it is for India to use its own technology.
Ravinder Singh Bhatia -: Ravinder Singh Bhatia is a person who spoke about the role of small businesses in making defence products. He highlighted how these businesses help India become self-reliant.
MSMEs -: MSMEs are small and medium-sized businesses. They play a big role in making things for the defence sector in India.