Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the state into a hub for defence production, particularly in drone and defence manufacturing.
Speaking at the "Surya Drone Tech 2025" program held at Jaswant Ground in Dehradun Cantonment, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the state government's ongoing efforts to position Uttarakhand as a leader in the industry.
The event, a two-day exhibition organized by the Central Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), took place from April 29 to April 30, 2025. It featured cutting-edge drone technologies developed in India, aimed at addressing diverse military needs and supporting the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
During the event, Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the crucial role of drone technology in disaster relief operations, particularly in Uttarakhand's challenging geographical landscape.
"Drone technology is proving to be a boon for disaster relief operations in a geographically sensitive state like Uttarakhand. Therefore, our government is trying to make our youth not only drone experts but also develop technology-based solutions for civilian use," he remarked.
The Chief Minister also underscored the focus on defence production and technological innovation in the state’s new industrial policies.
Surya Drone Tech 2025, described by Dhami as a convergence of science, technology, and talent, offered a platform for showcasing India's technological advancements in drones. The event also served to inspire young innovators in the field.
"Such events not only provide a unique platform to showcase modern technological achievements but also inspire our youth to innovate in the field of drones and technology," he said, adding that it was a significant step toward making Uttarakhand a drone manufacturing hub.
Chief Minister Dhami further expressed pride in India’s growing technological self-reliance, noting that the diverse drone technologies on display were evidence of the country’s capabilities.
"It is a matter of pride to see that India is now not only becoming self-reliant in the defence sector, but is also playing a leading role in technological innovation," he stated. He emphasized the revolutionary impact of drone technology across multiple sectors, including security, education, disaster management, and agriculture.
Acknowledging the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fostering innovation, Dhami reiterated the state government's commitment to promoting defence production in Uttarakhand. "Understanding the importance of innovation in the military sector, the state government is also working committedly to promote defence production in Uttarakhand," he concluded.
The event saw participation from members of the Central Command, SIDM, drone experts, startups, MSMEs, NCC cadets, and students, all contributing to the success of 'Surya Drone Tech 2025'.