New Delhi: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth on Thursday chaired ‘SANKALP 2026’, a seminar on defence indigenisation jointly organised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi. The acronym SANKALP stands for Self-Reliance, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Native Development and Knowledge-Linked Partnership.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister emphasized that the objective of indigenisation is to build a stronger and more resilient defence ecosystem where innovation drives progress and ideas are transformed into practical technologies and products that enhance India’s defence capabilities.
Appreciating the initiative, Sanjay Seth expressed confidence that SANKALP would provide a valuable platform for stakeholders to deliberate on key areas such as Indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), component manufacturing, certification, technology absorption, and the future aerospace requirements of the Indian Air Force.
During the event, the Raksha Rajya Mantri also launched the book ‘SANKALP 2026: Problem Statements of the Indian Air Force’ in the presence of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, SIDM President Arun T. Ramchandani, senior Indian Air Force officers and industry leaders. Air Marshal Sanjay Ghuratia, Air Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), delivered the inaugural address.
The seminar served as an important platform for discussions on the Indian Air Force’s indigenisation priorities, sustainment requirements and emerging technological advancements in the aerospace sector.
Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), the Director General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), SIDM, industry and academia participated in the event. Industry partners also showcased indigenous capabilities in the aerospace sector.
The event concluded with focused Business-to-Business (B2B) interactions involving Indian Air Force representatives, industry participants, CEMILAC and DGAQA, reaffirming the shared commitment of all stakeholders towards achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.