More than 60 defence firms, both domestic and foreign, have come together to form a forum with the aim of providing a single unified voice on policy matters and promoting interest of small, medium and large enterprises in the defence manufacturing sector.
The forum has been named Association of Defence Companies (ADC) in India.
"Representatives of over 60 defence companies, from various parts of the country, met on October 1 in New Delhi and agreed to form an industry forum specifically aimed at promoting the interest of small, medium and large enterprises in the defence manufacturing sector," a statement by the forum said.
Representatives from top Indian companies including Reliance Defence Limited, TATA Advanced Systems, Punj Llyod, Ashok Leyland, besides foreign companies like Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Rolls Royce India, DCNS, Boeing among others participated in the meeting.
The statement said that all companies see the defence manufacturing sector growing exponentially over the next few years under the 'Make in India' and other initiatives of the government.
"All the representatives present in the meeting were unanimous that the ADC would serve as the most representative platform to provide a single unified voice on policy matters with the government, armed forces, PSUs and MoD that directly or indirectly affect their operations," the statement said.
The ADC could also promote collaboration, support and improved understanding within members while protecting interests equally of all stakeholders, including the sole customer Ministry of Defence and other Ministries concerned with the nation's security.
"There was unanimous support and enthusiasm for the steps taken by the Government of India with the Make in India initiative opening the defence sector to the private industry, including enhanced FDI," it said.
It was decided to have three sub-committees with defined mandate and timelines to formalise the by-laws, membership rules, structure of the governing council, setting up and accommodation and staffing of office in New Delhi, drafting of the association charter and affiliations to other established bodies, in India and abroad, in the broader context.
The meeting defined key objectives of the Association that would support Indian defence industry and design-led manufacturing capabilities, feed the defence eco-system, foster business development opportunities domestically as well as globally, influence debates on policy matters and increase value of membership through complementary associations which would provide access to defence markets worldwide.
