Defence Expo in Ranchi: The two-day defence expo opened at the Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium in Ranchi with big energy and big names present. The Chief Minister spoke at the start and remembered the old days when Heavy Engineering Corporation made parts for satellites and even nuclear components.
He said it hurts to see such an important institution struggling today. He made it clear that the only way to bring HEC and other industries back to life is if the state and Centre join hands. “If both governments work in tandem, new dimensions can be added to defence industries. Jharkhand will extend full cooperation to the Centre in making India self-reliant in this sector,” he said.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that Jharkhand is a state with huge potential to become a defence hub. “This state is rich in raw material used in the defence sector and has a legacy of major industries. With better policy direction, we can once again strengthen our industrial base,” he added.
Leaders and MSMEs at the Centre of Talks
The event itself became a very special moment for Ranchi. The stadium, normally seen as a sports place, turned into the stage for one of the biggest defence gatherings ever in eastern India.
Important leaders attended, including the Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and also Lt. General Ramchandra Tiwari from the Eastern Command. Along with them, top officers and senior officials from the defence establishment were present, showing how much importance the Centre is giving to this region.
A lot of the discussion during the expo went towards the role of MSMEs in defence manufacturing. The Chief Minister said small and medium businesses in Jharkhand could grow fast if they connect with the larger defence supply chain. He also promised that his government will give full support to these enterprises so they can benefit from the expanding defence sector.
