FINS to hold two-day national seminar on defense from Feb 7

Hyderabad, Feb 5 (INN): The Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS), an NGO, is organizing a two-day national seminar on “Self Reliance in Defense Manufacturing” in the city from February 7.

The seminar is expected to bring together leadership and expertise from the Government, Industry Research and Development establishments to discuss wider aspects of defense manufacturing, advance research and development in India.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, FINS General Secretary SN Bala Desai informed that the inaugural ceremony will be attended by Defense Minister Manohar Parikar. The MD/CEO’s of major industrial houses, PSU Heads, Directors from different DRDO labs, concern intellectuals, and academicians will participate in the seminar. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has consented to be the Guest of Honour. The closing address will be delivered by Governor ESL Narasimhan on February 8.

Speaking at a press conference later, former DGP and Advisor to Governor AK Mohanty said that eminent experts, senior Armed Forces veterans, weapons and technology induction planners, scientists, DRDO experts and users will share their thoughts, on futuristic plans and policy formulation to make India self-reliant in Defense Production. Further, they will also discuss on how can private entrepreneurs, organizations join in this process and ensure self-reliance in the defense and security of India and, in future, even export weapons and systems as a long term national goal, he said.

Mohanty said that the seminar is being organised to discuss and deliberate upon these important aspects related to indigenization, public-private partnership and collaboration with foreign weapons producers; a strategic defense and security thinkers conclave. Replying to a question, they said that they were not fully opposed to FDI. However, But they wanted only FDI that allows unconditional transfer of technology to India. He said besides debating FDI in defense, the India should focus on indigenization of defense production.