On Day 4 of the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi’s ongoing mega G20 – S20 Meet Academia, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), DPSUs, and Armed Forces came together to discuss and highlight the enhancement of technological development through collaborative approach. The theme of this event was ‘Technology for Defence.’

Speaking during his welcome address, Professor Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said,

“There is a need of engaging Academia, R&D Institutions, Industries, Startups and Armed Forces to come in active dialogue mode - where free and frank exchange of innovative ideas can germinate. I acknowledge my heartfelt gratitude to all the guests and participants."

"We look forward to a vibrant stimulating session on technology for defence and IIT Mandi aims to contribute to the cause of defence which is paramount for our great nation,” adds Professor Laxmidhar Behera.

Speaking during the event, Air Vice Marshal PKH Sinha (Retd), Chief Coordinator of Technology for Defence event, said, “The four pillars of the Defence sector are: ‘Academia’, that researches in the niche and critical emerging technologies;, ‘Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’, that customise these technologies and hands it over to the industry for mass production, ‘Industry’, that makes it robust for the use of our troops, air warriors and sailors, and the ‘Defence Forces’ that finally use these innovations and technologies.”

Along with this, during a discussion session at the conclave, it was informed by AVM Sinha that the improvement proposed by Dr Gajendra Singh, Faculty at IIT Mandi, in the rope release mechanism of Indian Airforce helicopters was appreciated by the Commander of Base Repair Depot, Chandigarh. This improvement will improve the load-carrying capacity and delivery of supplies.

It has potential applications for RCS reduction and absorption of unwanted radiation leakages. Apart from this, IIT Mandi in collaboration with IAF’s Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQ MC) Nagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration for research projects, and technology development, in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, and decision support systems.

With its continuous efforts, IIT Mandi aims to support the Government of India’s goal to make India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in this Amritkal.