Envisioning Joint Defence Innovation - The INDUS-X Summit

- The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit recently concluded in the United States.

- This event signifies a crucial step forward in the strengthening of defence innovation partnerships between India and the U.S.

- The summit was first launched in 2023 during the state visit of the Prime Minister of India to the U.S.

 

Pursuing Broad Objectives

- The core objective of the INDUS-X Summit is to fuel strategic technology partnerships and defence industrial cooperation.

- These partnerships involve government entities, business organisations, and academic institutes from both India and the U.S.

- The summit seeks to advance high-tech cooperation, and foster joint research, development, and production opportunities in the defence sector.

 

Bridging the Gap in Defence Innovation

- INDUS X intends to serve as a defence innovation bridge, encompassing Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, Academia engagement, and Industry-startup connects. 

- Innovation will spur investments by private entities in defence projects, as also ensure mentoring by experts and promote niche technology projects.

- This initiative explores possibilities for co-producing jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles.

 

Steering the INDUS-X Initiative 

- The INDUS-X initiative is being spearheaded by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) on behalf of the Indian Ministry of Defence and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) under the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

 

Introduction to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

- iDEX is a flagship scheme launched by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, in 2018.

- The scheme's primary aim is to foster an innovation ecosystem within the Defence and Aerospace sector in collaboration with startups, innovators, MSMEs, incubators, and academia.

- iDEX provides grants and support for significant potential R&D projects for adoption in Indian defence and aerospace.

 

Funding and Management of iDEX

- iDEX's funding and management are overseen by the 'Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)', a 'not for profit' company.

- The DIO was established under the Companies Act 2013 specifically for managing the activities of iDEX.

- The two primary members, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), founded this organisation.