Kolkata: Former Army chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday said Kolkata and the entire northeast had the tremendous potential to develop into a major defence manufacturing hub, and urged the state’s industrialists and academics to work together to strengthen India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.Speaking at the inaugural seminar on ‘National Security and Economic Resilience for a Viksit Bharat’ by Vyana Geo-Economic Forum (VGEF) in Kolkata, Gen Pande said India must prepare for conflict across conventional, cyber, space and information domains, and accelerate technology integration across military platforms.While highlighting the rapid rise of AI and advanced technologies, Pande cautioned that wars would still be decided by soldiers on the ground. Conventional warfare would remain relevant, he said, with infantry, tanks and artillery continuing as the backbone of armed forces, but evolving into technology-enabled platforms. He also called for greater participation in national AI initiatives, arguing that countries adapting faster would gain strategic advantage.Other speakers echoed the need to respond quickly to shifting geopolitics and technology. Lt Gen Raj Shukla (retd) said national security is increasingly shaped by both, and India must adapt while leveraging inherent strengths. Lt Gen Dushyant Singh (retd) stressed reducing dependence on China and other external sources by speeding up Atmanirbhar Bharat. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor (retd) said cyber preparedness has improved but the technology gap with faster-moving nations must be closed. Lt Gen Subroto Saha (retd) highlighted satellites, space investment and AI integration, warning data breaches remain serious. Economist Ajit Ranade pointed to brain drain, claiming about 68% leave due to limited domestic opportunities.VGEF director Abhenav Khettry said the forum aims to bridge military-civilian gaps for better business and investment decisions.
