AP Eyes Bigger Pie In Defence & Maritime
key policymakers, leaders from defence industry & technology innovators share views
J Srinivasa Raju, Chairman-AP Chapter, SIDM; Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Honorary Advisor for Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh; Mr DVS Narayana Raju, Chairman, CII, at a session in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: CII and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Andhra Pradesh organised an interactive session with Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Honorary Advisor for Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing, Government of Andhra Pradesh and former Chairman of DRDO, and Advisor to the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting brought together key policymakers, leaders from the defence industry, technology innovators, and MSME stakeholders to discuss how the State can become a global destination for aerospace, defence and maritime manufacturing. The conversation also focused on Visakhapatnam’s potential to develop into a hub for defence and maritime manufacturing, particularly for underwater domain awareness.
Dr Reddy, addressing the CII members on Saturday here, shared a comprehensive vision to strengthen defence manufacturing in AP. He emphasised the importance of developing innovation clusters, plug-and-play testing facilities, and Centres of Excellence in technologies like AI, robotics, cybersecurity, aerospace, underwater systems, and dual-use platforms.
He stated, "Given the shifting global dynamics, countries are increasing their investments in defence and strategic infrastructure. This opens up significant opportunities for Indian industries, not only domestically but globally. Andhra Pradesh, with its favourable policies and strategic location, is well-positioned to be a major player in this space. Visakhapatnam, in particular, has huge potential to become a hub for underwater domain manufacturing and innovation.”
Chairman, CII Vizag DVS Narayana Raju expressed his gratitude to Dr Reddy for choosing the session as his first official industry interaction after assuming the position and reiterated CII’s commitment to enabling AP’s transformation into a global hub for defence and aerospace manufacturing through policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, industry partnerships, and outreach programs.
SIDM AP Chairman J Srinivasa Raju outlined the opportunity to establish a state-of-the-art Defence and Maritime Industrial Park near Visakhapatnam. This park would address India’s strategic needs while creating an innovation-driven ecosystem that caters to both the Indo-Pacific region and global markets.
The meeting resolved with a collective commitment to establish a Joint Working Group to chart a detailed roadmap for the proposed Defence and Maritime Industrial Park and mobilise coordinated efforts between state and central agencies, industry, academia, and global stakeholders.
