Defence Production Secretary Emphasises Collaboration with Start-ups for Aatmanirbharta
Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar has called for deeper collaboration with start-ups and innovators to strengthen India’s technological foundation and achieve self-reliance in defence. Speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi on November 12, 2025, he underlined the need for engaging with young entrepreneurs to drive advancements in emerging areas critical to national security.
He highlighted that modern capabilities are increasingly driven by disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Quantum Computing. Seamless exchange of ideas among stakeholders, he noted, is essential for accelerating innovation and developing deployable defence solutions. Shri Kumar further stressed the role of space technology in enhancing warfare preparedness and pointed to initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) that are empowering start-ups and MSMEs to develop next-generation defence systems.
The two-day Delhi Defence Dialogue, held under the theme ‘Harnessing New-Age Technology for Defence Capability Development’, brought together senior government officials, Armed Forces leadership, industry representatives, and experts to deliberate on the role of emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and unmanned systems in strengthening defence readiness.
Department of Defence Production Completes Special Campaign 5.0
The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has successfully concluded Special Campaign 5.0, conducted between October 2 and 31, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to cleanliness and efficiency under the Swachh Bharat Mission. As part of the campaign, DDP and its Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) organised cleanliness drives across 1,533 locations nationwide.
During the campaign, officials were sensitised on maintaining cleanliness at workplaces and homes, while efforts were made to promote the safety and welfare of sanitation workers. The Department reviewed over 30,000 files, of which 27,500 were weeded out. Disposal of scrap items freed 17.42 lakh sq. ft. of space and generated revenue of Rs. 15.62 crore. In addition, 50 public grievances, 87 appeals, 13 MP references, and 2 IMC references were effectively addressed, demonstrating improved administrative responsiveness and record management.
Indian Navy Establishes New Recruitment Centre at INS Kadamba, Karwar
The Indian Navy has established a new recruitment centre at INS Kadamba in Karwar under the Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area. With this addition, INS Kadamba becomes the tenth recruitment establishment of the Navy across India. The first Stage-2 recruitment drive for the 01/2026 Agniveer batch is being conducted from November 10 to 15, 2025.
The opening event saw participation from representatives of the Personnel Branch at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, and the Western Naval Command, Mumbai. Extensive administrative arrangements, including logistics and medical support, have been made to ensure smooth conduct of the recruitment process. Coordination with local authorities has been established to facilitate an incident-free event. This new centre will enhance the Navy’s presence on the western seaboard and offer new opportunities for youth from Karnataka, southern Maharashtra, and Goa to serve the nation.
Chief of the Naval Staff on Official Visit to the United States
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), has embarked on an official visit to the United States from November 12 to 17, 2025, aimed at strengthening the India–US maritime partnership. The visit seeks to reinforce operational cooperation and deepen defence ties, which form a crucial component of the broader India–US strategic partnership.
During the visit, Admiral Tripathi will hold discussions with senior officials of the U.S. Department of War and meet Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT). These interactions are expected to review ongoing cooperation, enhance operational linkages, and bolster mechanisms for maritime domain awareness and information sharing.
The visit also includes engagements with key U.S. naval institutions and operational commands, focusing on shared maritime priorities in the Indo-Pacific and collaboration within frameworks such as MILAN and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The visit underlines the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.