Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren jointly inaugurated the East Tech Symposium-2025 (Defence Expo) at the Veer Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, Khelgaon, Ranchi on Friday. The event was organized by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, CM Hemant Soren said the day marked a significant milestone for the state. He described the Defence Expo as a prestigious event that aims to explore new dimensions in the defence sector and expressed confidence in the success of its objectives.
He emphasized Jharkhand’s crucial role in nation-building, highlighting the immense potential for defence-related industrial expansion in the state. “Our government is committed to working with the Centre to make the defence sector self-reliant,” he stated.
Jharkhand: A Land of Industrial Potential
The Chief Minister noted that Jharkhand is rich in raw materials critical to the defence sector, including uranium. He said several major industrial units already exist in the state, which has long been a hub of both large and small industries.
Soren voiced concern over the current condition of Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), a once-thriving enterprise in Ranchi. “HEC has contributed to satellite and nuclear component manufacturing. It’s unfortunate that such a major institution is not performing up to expectations today,” he remarked.
Need for Coordinated Government Efforts
Calling for synergy between the state and central governments, the CM stressed the need to revive and promote industrial institutions through mutual cooperation. He noted that with joint efforts, new avenues in the defence industry could be explored successfully.
He also praised the presence of India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan at the event and welcomed initiatives being undertaken in the MSME sector to support defence manufacturing. Soren assured that the state government would extend full support to such efforts.
Expo Draws National Participation
The Governor, CM, senior defence officials, and dignitaries visited the various exhibitions at the Defence Expo. The event attracted experts from across the country, including representatives from defence industries, technical institutions, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Also present were Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, CDS Anil Chauhan, Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Eastern Command GOC-in-C Lt. Gen. Ramchandra Tiwari, Eastern Air Command AOC-in-C Surat Singh, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence.
