National, 17th February 2024 – Taking inspiration from the remarkable vision set by the Hon. PM of being self-reliant and Make in India, Maharashtra is pleased to organize its first and perhaps the biggest MSME Defence Expo from 24th-26th of Feb at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The expo, proudly presented by Maharashtra Government along with Nibe Limited as the knowledge partner, strategic partners as L&T, Solar Industries, Tata Advance Systems, Bharat Forge, supported by DRDO and DPSU’s, exchange partner NSE and BSE, is poised to be a groundbreaking event, focusing on Land, Airspace, and Maritime Security Systems.
The expo promises to be a landmark occasion with a distinguished gathering of dignitaries. The inaugural day’s agenda includes an illustrious lineup featuring leaders such as Shri. S. N. Subrahmanyan (Chairman and Managing Director, L&T), Shri. Ravi Kant (DPSUs Chairman), Shri. Satyanarayan Nuwal (Chairman Solar Industries), Shri. Baba Kalyani (Chairman Bharat Forge), and Shri. Ganesh Nibe (CMD of Nibe Limited) and more.
Political luminaries including Shri Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Maharashtra, and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra will be in attendance along with Industrial Minister Maharashtra, Shri Uday Sawant and Health Minister Maharashtra, Shri Tanaji Sawant. Shri. Ajay Bhatt (Rajya Raksha Mantri and Minister of State for Tourism), Chief of Defence Staff, Chiefs of Tri Services, DRDO Secretary, Dr. Kamat, Joint Secretary Defence Production and other notable personalities will contribute to making the expo a convergence of industry leaders, policymakers, and defense luminaries, setting the stage for collaborative discussions and advancements of the defense sector in Maharashtra.
Event Highlights:
This first-of-its-kind MSME Defense Expo in Maharashtra will bring together over 500 MSMEs, start-ups, and 20,000 engineering students, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Key Features:
The expo aims to stimulate industry synergy, featuring state-of-the-art technologies and proficiencies in the defense production sector. Attendees can expect lucrative business opportunities, potential deals worth hundreds of crores, and strategic utilization for MSMEs and start-ups in the defense technology export sector. Apart from this DRDO’s technology transfer agreement with MSMEs will also take place. There will be discussion on future challenges in technologies in indigenous development in the defence sector.
What to Expect:
● Lucrative Business Opportunities
● Strategic Utilization for MSMEs and Start-ups: Leverage defense technology exports to connect with Indian buyers, offset OEMs, and other potential buyers.
● Three-Day Exhibition Highlights: 500+ MSME participation, 20,000 footfall, B2B meetings facilitating crucial connections.
● Distinguished Presence: Participation of dignitaries from the Armed Forces, Defence Ministry, and the State government.
Empowering Maharashtra: MSME, Defence, and Technology:
The MSME defence expo aims to elevate the Maharashtra MSME ecosystem to serve the defense production sector, establishing a robust and enduring supply chain foundation for a dynamic MSME network in Maharashtra. It seeks to pave the way for defense manufacturing and exports, catalyzing a powerful ecosystem for the state and nation through the advancement of academia-industry collaborations.
Reflecting on the significance of the Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo, Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde emphasized, “This Expo underscores our commitment to fortifying the defense capabilities of our state. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the event plays a crucial role in our journey towards self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of Hon. PM, fostering growth and innovation in the defense sector.”
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Phadnavis, lauded the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders involved in the Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo, stating, “Commendable is the initiative undertaken by all contributors to the Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo. Such events are pivotal in promoting innovation, collaboration, and driving economic growth. Maharashtra’s steadfast commitment to evolving into a defense manufacturing hub is evident, and this expo will undeniably contribute significantly to bolstering our nation’s security.”
As the expo unfolds, it is poised to be a transformative event, propelling Maharashtra to the forefront of the defense sector, driving economic growth, and ensuring the nation’s security.
