The much-anticipated East Tech Symposium 2025 began on a grand note in Ranchi, positioning Jharkhand as a rising hub for defence manufacturing. The inauguration ceremony at Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, Khelgaon, saw the presence of Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Sanjay Seth, Union Minister of State for Defence, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and industry representatives.
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Focus on Defence Manufacturing and MSME Participation
The three-day expo, organised by the Ministry of Defence, is expected to give a major push to the State’s industrial ambitions, offering MSMEs and small-scale industries a platform to explore opportunities in the defence supply chain. Speaking at the event, CM Hemant Soren said the initiative was a historic step to strengthen India’s defence capability while giving Jharkhand’s industries a fresh growth trajectory. “Jharkhand is rich in every raw material needed for defence production. Even Uranium is available here. We have the potential, we have the industries, what we need are consistent policies and commitment,” he said.
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Call for Revival of HEC and Industrial Policy Stability
CM also made a passionate pitch for reviving Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), calling it the “mother factory” of Indian industry and a key player in making components for satellites and nuclear projects. “It pains me to see such a large industry struggling for survival,” he remarked, urging Central and State collaboration to revive it. The CM stressed that while industries have flourished in the State, inconsistent policies often hinder long-term growth.
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Centre’s Push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said the expo was conceived to give Ranchi and Jharkhand a distinct identity in India’s defence landscape. “It was my wish that Ranchi should host a defence expo and be known globally for it. I am grateful to PM Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for approving this vision. This will not just bring industrial development but also create employment opportunities in the region,” he said.
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Global Participation and Future Roadmap
Representatives from leading defence institutions, public sector units, and private players from India and abroad are attending the symposium. The event will witness technology demonstrations, B2B meetings, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at aligning Jharkhand with the national goal of self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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