Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for broad-basing of defence research and development efforts to start-ups and MSMEs, and lauded a shift in the culture wherein Industry is being treated as a development partner by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

"I am happy to note that the DRDO has initiated many steps for increased involvement of industry. It is also heartening to note that the industry is now being increasingly considered as a development partner rather than a vendor," the Defence Minister said while inaugurating a DRDO Directors' Conference in New Delhi on October 15.

"I am happy to note that the DRDO has initiated many steps for increased involvement of industry. It is also heartening to note that the industry is now being increasingly considered as a development partner rather than a vendor," the Defence Minister said

The inaugural session of the Conference was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the three Service Chiefs, besides DRDO chairman Dr Satheesh Reddy.

Rajnath Singh reiterated his call for reducing dependence on imported systems and development of indigenous eco system which would enable design, development and production of defence equipment which meet the requirements of the armed forces.

"There is a huge scope for innovation in Defence R&D and manufacturing sector. Innovation should not be limited to R&D organisations but must be percolated down to the common man. There is need to work out mechanism to promote innovations by individuals as well as by start-ups and MSMEs," the Defence Minister said.

He commenced the DRDO for achieving the targets set for the first 100 days of the current tenure of the Government. "They have also identified milestones to commemorate the 75 years of Independence. It is also heartening to note that they have added to their strength in order to achieve complete self-reliance in coming years," he added.

Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to former President and DRDO legend APJ Abdul Kalam, whose birth anniversary coincided with the Director's Conference. He urged DRDO "to imbibe the working ethos of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam whose tenacity and perseverance led our nation forward on the road to achieve self-reliance in defence systems".

Unveiling a statue of the famed Missile Man of India, the Defence Minister lauded Dr Kalam as "a People's President who would continue to live in the hearts and minds of the people of India".