The National Defence Industries Conclave 2026 organised by the Department of Defence Production will be held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on March 19-20, 2026 and will be inaugurated by the Raksha Mantri. The two-day event aims to integrate Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into India's defence manufacturing ecosystem and to promote advanced technologies including automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing, digital twins and smart materials. The initiative supports the Government's vision of Aatmanirbharta in defence and aims to enhance India's technological capability and global competitiveness in defence production.

The conclave will bring together Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private defence firms, policymakers, academia and technology providers to facilitate policy dialogue, promote innovation and expand the defence supply chain. The event is expected to encourage non-defence industries to explore defence manufacturing opportunities and to foster industry-academia collaborative research and development. The Raksha Mantri will also inaugurate an exhibition showcasing advanced manufacturing technologies and defence innovations.

The exhibition will feature stalls from large private defence companies and public sector firms presenting initiatives and programmes to engage MSMEs as partners and suppliers, and 24 Indian and foreign firms will showcase advanced manufacturing technologies. The displays and interactions are expected to encourage partnerships among private manufacturers, Defence Public Sector Undertakings and technology providers, thereby contributing to a self-reliant and globally competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem. Several challenges for start-ups and MSMEs issued by the Defence Forces and Defence Public Sector Undertakings will be launched alongside publications on defence manufacturing and policy reforms.

The event will host thematic sessions on aerospace, naval systems, defence electronics, advanced materials and platforms and will build on momentum from 12 State-Level MSME conclaves this year. It is expected to accelerate India's progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.