Defence sector holds promise for start-ups, MSMEs and entrepreneurs, says ex-chief of Confederation of Indian Industry

A brand new ecosystem is rising for the defence sector as personal trade participation will increase, mentioned R. Nandini, former chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Business (CII), Southern Area, in Coimbatore on Friday (June 27, 2025).

Talking on the inauguration of The Hindu businessline MSME Development Conclave – Coimbatore 2025, she mentioned that micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) are at a pivotal second and are navigating by means of an advanced worldwide situation.

With regard to the defence sector, there’s a shift in authorities coverage and a elementary change within the mindset of entrepreneurs too, she mentioned. Begin-ups, the MSMEs and expertise innovators are contributing to nationwide safety and defence manufacturing. Coimbatore performs a major position on this because it has its strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and excessive precision industries. These models are in an advantageous place to contribute and profit from this transition of the defence sector, she added.

Coimbatore has a historical past of sturdy collaboration with Germany and this needs to be showcased globally, she added.

Raghuvir Srinivasan, Editor of The Hindu businessline, mentioned the fifth version of the MSME conclave, which is organised in Bengaluru yearly, has expanded this yr to Coimbatore.

The occasion had panel discussions on “Delivering a Huge Bang (on defence provides)” and “Navigating World Commerce Disruptions”.

Ajay Srivastava, founding father of the World Commerce Analysis Initiative, in a fireplace chat with Aarathi Krishnan, Consulting Editor of The Hindu businessline, spoke on free commerce agreements, the affect of U.S. President Donald Trump’s posts on social media, and the commerce occurring between the U.S. and India.

The conclave, powered by Janatics and HDFC Financial institution, had SSVM Establishments Coimbatore, Metropolis Union Financial institution, Radiance Realty, SIDBI, South Indian Financial institution, Tally, Milky Mist, Indian Abroad Financial institution, and Union Financial institution of India as Affiliate Companions and Lexus because the Luxurious Companion.