MoS Defence Sanjay Seth on Friday emphasised the importance of translating research and technological advancements into effective solutions to address emerging defence challenges, highlighting the role of a self-reliant defence ecosystem in achieving Viksit Bharat.
He inaugurated “VISV-2026: Vision, Innovation, Synergy, Values”, organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on October 30.
The event, themed “Showcasing Defence Capabilities, Strengthening Global Partnerships,” featured a seminar on “DRDO Defence Solutions for Partner Nations: From Technology to Strategic Partnerships.”
Four Pillars of VISV
Addressing the gathering, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth highlighted the four pillars of VISV — Vision, Innovation, Synergy and Values — as guiding principles for strengthening India’s defence capabilities and expanding international cooperation.
He explained that Vision provides direction for anticipating future defence requirements, Innovation transforms research into effective technologies and solutions, Synergy brings together the Armed Forces, research institutions, industry and international partners, while Values anchor cooperation in trust, mutual respect and responsibility.
MoS underscored India’s commitment to building a technologically advanced and self-reliant defence ecosystem as part of the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
He also highlighted the role of Atmanirbhar Bharat in strengthening indigenous research, design, development and manufacturing capabilities, noting that technological self-reliance would enable India to contribute more meaningfully to international partnerships.
MoS Seth acknowledged DRDO’s contribution to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and highlighted the growing role of Indian scientists, engineers and industry in developing advanced defence technologies.
He also released a foreign-language compendium of DRDO products in Arabic, Spanish and French to facilitate greater awareness of India’s defence solutions among international partners and support engagement with partner nations.
Focus on Global Defence Partnerships
Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Chairman, DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the importance of integrating technological capability, industrial capacity and institutional partnerships to strengthen India’s defence preparedness and global engagement.
Secretary, Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar highlighted India’s expanding defence manufacturing capabilities and the opportunities to move beyond conventional buyer-seller relationships towards joint development, co-production and manufacturing partnerships.
He also informed that high-level formal invitations are being extended to international counterparts for Aero India 2027, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru. The event will provide another opportunity to showcase India’s growing aerospace and defence capabilities and deepen international cooperation.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underlined the changing nature of defence diplomacy in an evolving geopolitical and technological environment. He emphasised strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, trust and cooperation in emerging technology domains.
Discussion on Joint Collaborations
The programme also featured an interactive discussion on “Avenues for Joint Collaborations and Partnerships”, bringing together representatives of the Department of Defence Production, DRDO, CENJOWS, SIDM, Indian industry and Defence Attachés.
The discussion provided a platform to exchange perspectives, understand partner-country requirements and explore potential opportunities in defence exports, technical exchanges, product adaptation, co-development, co-production and industrial collaboration.
VISV-2026 provided an important platform for international partners to familiarise themselves with India’s indigenous defence research, development and production capabilities and engage with relevant stakeholders to explore potential areas of cooperation.
The event reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its self-reliant defence ecosystem while fostering trusted, long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with friendly nations, according to a press release by the Ministry of Defence.
VISV-2026 witnessed participation by Defence Attachés and representatives of Foreign Diplomatic Missions from friendly countries, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, HQ IDS, the Armed Forces, DRDO, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), academia and the Indian defence industry.
-PIB Inputs
