CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Calls for Stronger Military-Industry-Academia Collaboration at Techkriti 2025

Kanpur, India – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The event, a convergence of innovation and strategic vision, witnessed the CDS shedding light on the imperative need for technological advancements and modernization within the Indian Armed Forces.

Themed “Panta Rhei” (Everything Flows), Techkriti 2025 underscores the continuous evolution of technology and innovation. In alignment with this theme, General Chauhan addressed a captivated audience comprising scholars, students, and NCC cadets, emphasizing the role of cutting-edge technologies such as Cyber Warfare, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Cognitive Warfare in shaping the battles of tomorrow.

Future Wars: The Need for Adaptability and Technological Excellence

In a Fireside Chat, the CDS provided deep insights into the emerging security landscape and the necessity for strategic adaptability, innovation, and self-reliance in modern warfare. He stressed that the evolving nature of threats mandates a shift in military preparedness, urging India to stay ahead in disruptive domains like cyber warfare, AI-driven combat strategies, and quantum communication.

"The future battlefield will be dominated by technology-driven decision-making, autonomous weapons, and real-time intelligence processing. We must integrate these advancements into our defence framework to maintain strategic superiority," he remarked.

General Chauhan’s words resonated strongly with the young audience, particularly when he underscored the importance of Discipline & Resilience, Courage & Sacrifice—values that not only define military ethos but also serve as guiding principles in the pursuit of technological excellence. His speech served as a motivational call for students to explore careers in defence technology, cybersecurity, and emerging warfare domains.

Distinguished Guests & the Role of Academia in National Security

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur. Their participation reinforced the critical role of academia in advancing India’s technological and defence capabilities.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Agrawal highlighted IIT Kanpur’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research in defence applications. He remarked that collaborations between premier academic institutions and the military are pivotal in strengthening national security and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

‘Rakshakriti’ – Defence Expo Showcasing Cutting-Edge Military Technologies

One of the standout features of Techkriti 2025 was Rakshakriti, a dedicated Defence Expo aimed at fostering synergy between the Armed Forces, academia, and the defence industry. The exhibit showcased state-of-the-art military technologies, including Autonomous Drone Systems, Advanced Cyber Defence Solutions, AI-driven Surveillance & Threat Analysis Models, Quantum Communication Networks and Indigenous Weapon & Missile Technologies

General Chauhan personally interacted with budding technologists and researchers, discussing how their innovations could contribute to India’s self-reliance in defence. The event provided a crucial platform for industry leaders, defence strategists, and young innovators to collaborate on next-generation warfare solutions.

Bridging the Gap: Technology, Entrepreneurship & National Security

Techkriti 2025 stands as a testament to India’s growing focus on indigenous technological development in the defence sector. With increased emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), the event facilitated discussions on reducing import dependence and strengthening India’s position as a global defence technology powerhouse.

As the festival unfolds with competitions, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, it is poised to inspire the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and military strategists. Techkriti 2025 is not just an event—it is a movement towards building a technologically empowered and strategically resilient India.

With General Chauhan’s resounding message echoing through IIT Kanpur, the fusion of military vision, academic brilliance, and entrepreneurial spirit has never been more apparent. The future of warfare is evolving, and India is ready to lead from the front.