The last day of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit hosted a sessions called "The Skies of Tomorrow: Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing in Assam", at the Khanapara Veterinary College playground in Guwahati. The session was to shed light on Assam's potential in the global aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, and insights were gathered from policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators.
Rupesh Gowala, Minister for Labour Welfare, Tea Tribes and Adivasi Welfare, and Home (Prisons, Home Guards, and Civil Defence), reiterated the government's commitment in the state of Assam to creating an enabling environment for the aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors. While complimenting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's initiatives for rapid economic development in Assam, he mentioned several flagship programs like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which are aimed at self-reliance.
He introduced the Assam Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing Policy 2025 articulate with competitive incentives, calling for cooperation from investors, manufacturers, and technology leaders alike. Principal Secretary Gopinath Narayan (IT) gave a brief presentation of the incentives to be provided under the new policy and said it is on par with, if not superior to, what other states are offering.
Moderating the panel, G Satheesh Reddy, President, Aeronautical Society of India, said that Assam’s aerospace innovation potential could be emphasized. The growth was commended by Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, who appreciated proactive steps from the government.
The Tezpur research lab, working toward defence needs and skill development, was mentioned by Director General Dr. Chandrika Kaushik of DRDO.
Reiterating on the instance of industry leaders like Rajinder Singh Bhatia to SIDM, Dr. Sarag J Saikia for Spacefaring Technologies, and Prem Kumar Vishlawath for Marut Dronetech, it draws on Assam's strategic location, a skilled workforce, and investment potential.
This session made a huge leap toward Assam positioning itself as a global aerospace and defence hub.