Pune: The two-day DRDO Directors’ Conclave 2024, centered on “Transforming DRDO for Redefined Defence R&D,” commenced at Pune’s Armament Research & Development Establishment today.

Inaugurated by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, the annual gathering emphasizes DRDO’s continued transformation and its contribution to India’s defence self-reliance mission, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his opening address, Dr. Kamat highlighted the strategic importance of technological advancement to adapt to the rapidly shifting global defence landscape.

He underlined DRDO’s commitment to “Reform, Perform, and Transform” as an organization to strengthen India’s position in defence technology and self-sufficiency.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, delivered a keynote address on harnessing emerging technologies for future defence capabilities and underscored DRDO’s role in building a resilient, self-reliant defence ecosystem.

The conclave features a range of sessions aligned with its central theme, focusing on the reforms already implemented and in progress to enhance DRDO’s operational efficiency.

Key discussions aim to reinforce a robust defence R&D environment through partnerships with industry and academia. Special plenary talks and brainstorming sessions are dedicated to expanding India’s defence R&D capabilities through collaborative innovation.

The event will conclude with a collaborative exchange of ideas to chart the organization’s strategic direction.

The conclave hosts top DRDO officials, including Directors General from various technology and corporate clusters, programme and lab directors, headquarters corporate directors, and integrated financial advisers.