Skip to main content

Indian Defence Manufacturing : a $26 billion opportunity by 2025

Mission

Work closely with the Government towards enabling the growth of the defence industry. Collaborate with experts from the Armed Forces.

Vision

Catalyse the Indian defence industry to effectively contribute to India's national security and become a trustworthy global partner.
Since its inception in 2017, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) has evolved into India's premier and sole defence industry association, serving as an advocate, catalyst, and facilitator for the defence sector's growth and capability building. The Society represents the entire spectrum of Defence and Aerospace manufacturers in India, spanning both the public and private sectors. Its membership includes large companies, MSMEs, start-ups, FOEMs, and academic institutions, with representation across all states and regions of the country.

Standing firmly as the 'Voice of the Industry,' SIDM works in close partnership with the Government to create a supportive policy environment for the defence sector's advancement. The organization has played a pivotal role in shaping key policies, including the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, Draft Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2020, Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) 2020, and the Positive Indigenization Lists, among other significant reforms. A landmark achievement was SIDM's advocacy in establishing the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) between India and the United States, which has strengthened bilateral defence cooperation and supply chain resilience.

SIDM maintains robust engagement with the Ministry of Defence, Indian Armed Forces and other stakeholders, consistently addressing industry concerns to improve the ease of doing business. Through strategic MoUs with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, SIDM provides a vital platform for industry-military collaboration, enabling manufacturers to meet the evolving requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.

In pursuit of global excellence, SIDM has expanded its international footprint by establishing partnerships with leading defence industry associations worldwide. These include collaborations with ISIC (Japan), GIFAS (France), KDIA (Republic of Korea), NDIA (USA), SOFF (Sweden), AIDN (Australia), ABIMDE (Brazil), UKIBC (UK), BDSV (Germany), TEDAE (Spain), and EDCC & EDGE (UAE), creating robust channels for bilateral trade and technological cooperation.

SIDM has strengthened the defence manufacturing ecosystem through innovative initiatives, including the constitution of the Defence Technology Incubation Council (DTIC) to nurture critical innovations and the Defence Export Promotion Council (DEPC) to boost Indian defence exports. Strategic partnerships with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for promoting procurement of Indian defence products and services, SIDBI for supporting MSMEs and start-ups, AICTE for promoting a future-ready defence workforce, and the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) to facilitate veteran employment reflect SIDM's comprehensive approach to sector development.

Through its state chapters in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal SIDM addresses region-specific industry challenges and promotes grassroots-level advocacy. To enhance capacity building, SIDM organizes specialized training courses on Defence Procurement Procedures. It also recognizes outstanding achievements in the sector through the prestigious ‘SIDM Champion Awards’, inspiring the industry to achieve higher standards of innovation and manufacturing excellence.

Aligned with its vision of catalyzing the Indian defence industry to contribute effectively to national security and become a trustworthy global partner, SIDM continues to champion the cause of making India Atmanirbhar in Defence Production and is 'Proud to Arm the Nation'.

SIDM President (2023-25)


Mr Rajinder Singh Bhatia


Mr Rajinder Singh Bhatia has been elected as the President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers for 2023-25. He is President Defence Business Bharat Forge Limited & Chairman of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, KRAS (A joint venture between Rafael and KSSL), and BFPEL. 


Rajinder Singh Bhatia is an Army Veteran and a prominent Defence Industry leader in India with over 40 years of experience.

Under him, Kalyani Group has forged partnerships and collaborated with major defence and Aerospace OEMs of the world and is today in the forefront of Defence & Aerospace Landscape in the country.

He has been a key member of the Strategic Policy initiatives and policy taskforce as part of government sponsored bodies for Defence & Aerospace.

SIDM Annual Reports