Punjab hosts high-level Defence Skill Conclave to boost youth training and self-reliance in defence manufacturing
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 10, 2026:In a landmark initiative to position Punjab as a hub for India’s defence manufacturing, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday led the Defence Skills Conclave, aimed at skill development for the defence, aerospace, and strategic sectors.
The conclave, presided over by Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora, focused on creating a robust talent pipeline to support the country’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The high-profile event brought together Defence Secretary (GoI) Rajesh Kumar Singh, Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary Employment Generation Alaknanda Dayal, top policymakers, industry leaders from defence PSUs and OEMs, academic heads, and skilling experts.
The conclave served as a platform to build an industry-driven ecosystem to meet the technological demands of modern warfare and aerospace.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Aman Arora highlighted Punjab’s historical contributions to India’s defence and stressed the need to complement bravery with advanced skills.
“This initiative reflects the CM-led government’s commitment to transforming Punjab into a premier hub not just for soldiers, but also for skilled technologists and engineers, making India ‘Atmanirbhar’ in defence manufacturing,” he said.
Arora also emphasized Punjab’s strategic advantages, including international airports in Mohali and Amritsar, the Adampur Air Force Base, and a business-friendly environment conducive to defence investment.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the Punjab Government for hosting the conclave, calling it a step towards making India a global defence manufacturing hub. He stressed the importance of a strong skill ecosystem and diversified industrial base, acknowledging Punjab’s deep military tradition and potential in the sector.
The conclave also saw the signing of MoUs with SIDM, NASSCOM, Microsoft, IBM, and 1M1B (1 Million for 1 Billion), aimed at enhancing youth employability and technological readiness for high-value roles in defence and aerospace. Leading institutes including IIT Delhi, IIT Ropar, IIT Indore, Punjab Engineering College, and Chandigarh University, and industry giants like Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence Systems, L&T Defence, Tata Advanced Systems, and Safran India, participated alongside delegates from multiple states including Haryana, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
The Defence Skills Conclave marks a transformative step in Punjab’s journey toward building a skilled, innovative, and sustainable workforce, prepared to support India’s defence, aerospace, and strategic ambitions while generating employment opportunities for the state’s youth.