Kolkata/IBNS: The Eastern Command of the Indian Army recently hosted "East Tech 2024", a defence weapons and equipment exhibition, at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata.

The two-day show on Nov 5 and 6 showcased cutting-edge technologies and the collaboration between the Indian Army and the nation's defence manufacturing sector, including MSMEs, DRDO, DPSUs, R&D organizations, and academia.

East Tech 2024 aligned with the vision of  "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) and aims to address the operational challenges faced by the Eastern Command.

The exhibition provided a vital platform for Indian manufacturers and start-ups to showcase the latest advancements in defence technologies. The show was aimed at enabling the Indian Army to identify and incorporate contemporary indigenous technologies essential for meeting the dynamic demands of the Eastern Sector and beyond.

The exhibition was conducted in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and was designed to enhance the technological knowledge base of attendees, acquainting them with state-of-the-art technologies and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions.

"East Tech 2024 aspired to raise awareness among defence stakeholders about the latest hardware solutions and innovations produced by Indian manufacturers under the 'Raksha Atmanirbharta' initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defence," according to a release by the Ministry of Defence.

This two-day event included both exhibitions and live demonstrations, allowing participants to experience firsthand the capabilities of indigenous technology. 

West Bengal Minister for Sports, Power and Housing Aroop Biswas inaugurated the exhibition on Nov 5 alongside Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, addressed the event through a recorded video message dwelling on the Indian Army's defence needs in alignment with the initiative of "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India).

(Images by Rupak Rupak De Chowdhuri)