Kolkata, Feb 2 (IANS) Stating that India lacked the industrial capability to manufacture high-end and high-tech equipment for defence requirements, a former army chief Thursday called for enhanced collaboration among smaller enterprises in the defence sector.
‘We do not possess the capability to produce high-end and high tech defence equipment which has affected our indigenous competency and we largely depend upon imports,’ General (retd.) Shankar Roychowdhury said.
Roychowdhury who was speaking at a programme on prospects of medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) in doing business with the defence sector, said the smaller units must come together and collaborate to increase their manufacturing capabilities.
‘There is a need to consolidate our approach. The MSMEs must collaborate to reap the benefits of joint efforts. The need is a mass base industry of suitable quality and quantity,’ said Roychowdhury.
West Bengal Small Industries Development Corporation chairman Sabyasachi Bagchi urged the MSMEs to go for collaboration with the corporation.
‘We are here for extending support and promotion of small scale industries in the state. We urge the MSMEs to forge collaboration so that we can work jointly towards a greater future,’ said Bagchi.
