Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi advocates stronger R&D for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense sector

In a recent statement, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the importance of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in the defense sector, stressing the need for a research and development (R&D) culture solid He acknowledged that while there has been progress, progress has been slow due to a lack of visits and participation in R&D centers. General Dwivedi noted that both Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private companies are increasingly focusing on improving their R&D capabilities. He noted that the private sector has made significant strides in fostering a culture of innovation, which has historically been underdeveloped in India. This change is essential to meet contemporary defense needs. The army chief mentioned several programmes, including initiatives like IE and Aditi, with funding ranging from ₹ 1 crore to ₹ 30 crore, aimed at strengthening R&D structures. These initiatives are designed to create a better framework for developing advanced technologies and essential equipment for the armed forces. With the right support and infrastructure, General Dwivedi believes India’s defense R&D will thrive, ultimately leading to better self-reliance in defense capabilities and fostering a stronger and more innovative defense ecosystem .