Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to Inaugurate National Defence Industries Conclave 2026 on Advanced Manufacturing
NEW DELHI, March 17, 2026 — Marking a significant leap toward self-reliance in military production, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the National Defence Industries Conclave (NDIC) 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre on March 19.
Organized by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), the two-day event centers on the theme of “Advanced Manufacturing Technologies,” aiming to integrate cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital twins into India’s defense ecosystem.
The conclave serves as a strategic bridge between the government’s Aatmanirbharta vision and the capabilities of MSMEs, start-ups, and private defense firms, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance India’s global competitiveness and technological sovereignty in defense manufacturing.
During the event, Rajnath Singh will launch an exhibition showcasing the latest defense innovations alongside a new set of challenges tailored for start-ups and MSMEs issued by the Defence Forces and DPSUs.
This exhibition will feature 24 domestic and international firms, providing a platform for large-scale manufacturers to engage with smaller suppliers and technology providers.
The conclave also includes several thematic sessions covering aerospace, naval systems, and defense electronics, building on the momentum of 12 state-level MSME interactions held throughout the year.
By facilitating policy dialogue and collaborative R&D between academia and industry, the NDIC 2026 is poised to accelerate the indigenization of critical defense platforms and strengthen the national supply chain for a secure future.