Jharkhand witnessed a significant milestone with the inauguration of its first-ever defence exhibition, the East Tech Symposium 2025, held at the Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium in Ranchi. This three-day event aims to establish the mineral-rich state as an emerging center for defence collaboration, industrial development, and strategic innovation in eastern India.
The symposium was officially opened by key figures including Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, alongside Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and various senior military officials, as well as leaders from India’s defence industry.
During his address, Chief Minister Hemant Soren remarked on the significance of the event, referring to it as a “historic step” towards integrating Jharkhand into the national defence ecosystem. He emphasized the state’s wealth in minerals and industrial potential, asserting that the initiative would enhance defence preparedness while providing opportunities for industrial expansion and youth employment.
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of hosting such an event in Ranchi as a reflection of the government’s vision for “Defence Manufacturing for Atmanirbhar Bharat.” He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to decentralizing defence production and empowering more states to engage in the sector.
The exhibition showcased a range of advanced defence technologies, equipment, and innovations contributed by leading Indian defence firms, research institutions, and startups. CM Soren actively toured the display area, engaging with defence personnel and examining modern weapon systems, which illustrated the state’s proactive role in the defence sector.
The symposium serves as a platform for dialogue among defence officials, policymakers, industrialists, and academia, facilitating the exchange of ideas, development of partnerships, and exploration of opportunities for technology transfer, joint ventures, and skill enhancement.
Notably, the event included participation from various educational institutions and technical universities, providing students with direct exposure to defence experts and the latest technologies. Organisers expect the symposium to pave the way for new avenues in innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment in Jharkhand, reinforcing the region’s role in national defence production.
The East Tech Symposium 2025 embodies India’s commitment to bolstering indigenous defence capabilities while promoting regional economic development. For Jharkhand, it signifies the dawn of a new era in industrial growth, positioning the state as a crucial player in India’s strategic and defence landscape.
