India’s Defence Manufacturing: The Industry Quality Assurance (QA) Conclave, themed “Collaborative Quality Assurance: Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Defence,” took place today, bringing together senior officials, defence leaders, and industry experts. The event focused on exploring innovative strategies to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and enhance the role of quality assurance in the sector.
Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), delivered the keynote address, highlighting the remarkable progress made by India’s defence manufacturing industry under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He stressed the importance of innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on quality assurance to position India as a leading global exporter of defence products. “Quality assurance is pivotal in driving innovation and excellence. By embracing collaboration and technological advancements, India can transform into a global powerhouse in defence manufacturing,” he said.
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The conclave also featured insights from key figures in the defence sector. Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, spoke about the need for technical innovation, rigorous testing, and close cooperation between different stakeholders to build a strong and self-reliant defence ecosystem. “Innovation and collaboration form the foundation of a quality-driven defence sector,” he remarked.
N Manoharan, Director General of Quality Assurance, highlighted the crucial role of a solid partnership between the industry and quality assurance professionals. He emphasized the need for standardized and innovative processes that can help reduce risks and improve the overall quality of defence manufacturing.
Rear Admiral Iqbal Singh Grewal, Additional Director General (QA) Warship Production, focused on the role of emerging technologies in improving quality assurance processes. He pointed out that advanced technology can make production more efficient, reduce project delays, and ensure that defence manufacturing meets global standards.
The discussions at the conclave covered several important topics, including proactive quality control strategies, type testing, and global certification standards. These measures aim to ensure that defence projects are completed on time without compromising on quality.
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Another area of discussion was the growing importance of advanced technologies in quality assurance. Experts at the conclave explored how new innovations are transforming defence manufacturing, improving efficiency, and increasing India’s ability to produce high-quality defence equipment domestically. This focus on technological advancements is expected to foster greater indigenization in the sector.
The event was organized by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance and provided an opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and brainstorming. It brought together shipyard executives, QA professionals, and policymakers to discuss how better collaboration between the defence sector and the shipbuilding industry can drive indigenization and excellence in manufacturing.

