Strengthening MSME Ecosystem for Strategic Metals: MIDHANI’s Defence Conclave 2025

In alignment with the Government of India’s visionary “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives in the defence sector, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a premier Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, organized the “MSME Conclave for Promotion of Indigenisation in Defence – 2025” on 16th May 2025 at its premises in Hyderabad.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty, Chairman & Managing Director, MIDHANI, who served as the Chief Guest of the program. In his keynote address, Dr. Murty emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in the indigenisation of critical metals, many of which are currently being imported for India’s strategic and defence projects. He highlighted the necessity of developing domestic capabilities to ensure self-reliance and sustainability in the defence materials sector. The event was also graced by Shri T. Muthukumar, Director (Production & Marketing), MIDHANI, who addressed the gathering and reiterated MIDHANI’s unwavering support to the Government's “Make in India” and “Atmanirbharta in Defence” initiatives.

He emphasized the need for continued collaboration with MSMEs to enhance innovation and capability development in strategic materials and manufacturing.  Smt. K. Madhubala, GM (Fin)  also graced the occasion, reflecting MIDHANI's dedication to inclusive and collaborative vendor engagement.

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The event commenced with a welcome address by Shri Subhdip Ghosh, AGM (I/c Purchase), MIDHANI, who warmly greeted the gathering and emphasized the importance of collaborative growth between MIDHANI and its MSME partners.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from around 50 MSME vendors associated with MIDHANI. It served as a platform for vendors to gain insights, share ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities in defence manufacturing and supply chain development.

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A series of informative and interactive sessions were conducted to enhance awareness among MSME stakeholders:

1. Presentation on SRIJAN Portal – by Shri K. Rajkumar, AGM (Materials), MIDHANI, explaining opportunities for MSMEs through the Ministry of Defence’s indigenisation portal.
2. Presentation on Public Procurement Policy for MSMEs – by the Assistant Director, MSME, highlighting policy benefits, reservation norms, and government support for MSME participation.
3. Presentation on TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) – by the RXIL team (a joint venture of SIDBI and NSE), focusing on digital financing mechanisms that improve liquidity for MSMEs.

Special guests from the MSME Development Institute, Hyderabad, and RXIL were also present and delivered valuable insights to empower MSME vendors. This conclave reaffirmed MIDHANI’s commitment to promoting indigenization, fostering innovation, and building a strong and resilient defence manufacturing ecosystem through MSME collaboration.

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