(L-R) Cdr. C T Pradeep Kumar, Joint Director (Indigenisation), Integrated HQ of Ministry of Defence (Navy) Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani (Retd.), Chief Executive Officer, Nova Integrated Systems Ltd. Col K V Kuber, Planning Officer - Capital Acquisition Plans, Ministry of Defence, Defence Offsets Facilitation Agency.

Indian Government plans to make acquisitions worth approximately US $ 45 bn in the next 5 years which clearly indicates of the huge opportunities for the SMEs in the defence sector. The session would focus on identifying these opportunities and possibilities for the SME's in the sector. It would identify ways and means by which the SMEs can utilise the opportunity for manufacturing components and spares for the Indian Armed forces as well maintain and repair of the defence equipment and infrastructure. The session deliberated upon the ways by which SMEs could be incorporated in the absorption of the offsets by the PSU's and the private sector system integrators.

IHC, New Delhi
27th November 2008