The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024, scheduled for February 24 in New Delhi, promises a gathering of global leaders, industry pioneers, policymakers, and experts to navigate the future of India’s Aerospace and Defence sector.

With participation from countries such as the United States, Israel, Vietnam, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Ukraine, and Japan, alongside India, the summit will delve into the evolving landscape of the defence industry. The focus is on strategies that position India as a global leader in manufacturing, exports, and research and development (R&D) in this crucial sector, the company said in a press statement.

In response to the profound transformations witnessed in the Aerospace and Defence sector, driven by technological advancements and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Firstpost has initiated this groundbreaking summit.

The event aims to proactively address these changes, explore emerging opportunities, and facilitate dialogue that will shape the future of defence in India.

The summit serves as a platform to showcase global best practices in various facets of the Aerospace and Defence sector, encompassing Manufacturing, R&D, Academia, Startups, Technology, and Data Security. It will feature discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on three key sub-themes:

• Building ‘Capacities’ for Economically Strategic Aerospace and Defence
• Promoting Comprehensive R&D Ecosystem for the Defence sector
• Strengthening the DRDO-Industry-Academia and Startup Ecosystem

Commenting on this, Palki Sharma, Editor at Firstpost, expressed pride in presenting this inaugural Defence Summit, anticipating impactful conversations on security, technology, and strategic choices. Puneet Singhvi, CEO (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy at Network18, emphasized the summit’s role in India’s journey towards becoming a key defence exporter. Singhvi stated, ‘The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is the beacon illuminating crucial arenas such as aerospace, AI, UAVs, cyber warfare & naval security.’

The event will feature keynote addresses and sessions by esteemed figures including Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence of India; General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff in India; Ehud Olmert, Former PM of Israel; Djoomart Otorbaev, Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan; Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairperson of DRDO; Mariya Ahmed Didi, Former Defence Minister of Maldives; Dr. Nidhi Bansal, Director of Technology Development Fund at the Ministry of Defence, and Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, among others.

The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 stands as a pivotal event, poised to initiate collaborative efforts in building a resilient Aerospace and Defence ecosystem in India.