East Tech 2024 a two-day exhibition of advanced weaponry to strengthen the border region of eastern India, has been organized in Kolkata.

East Tech 2024 is an exhibition organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Defense Manufacturers (SIDM). More than 140 companies participated in it. It aims to bring out the latest technologies to meet the operational challenges of the Indian Army and especially in the Eastern theatre. Various state-of-the-art communications, strategic mobility, security and sustainment, survivability, artificial intelligence (AI), drone and counter-drone technology, robotics and firearms solutions are showcased here.

The "East Tech 2024" exhibition organized by the Indian Army's Eastern Command began in Kolkata on Monday, signaling a move towards self-reliance in India's defense sector. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in a video message at the start of the program said Atmanirbhar Bharat is a national initiative that emphasizes on promoting indigenous capabilities and self-sufficiency in various sectors.

GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Lt Gen RC Tiwari in his speech said the Indian Army is looking to use advanced technology including counter-drone systems along with powerful drones. In that case, the construction of armaments by such domestic companies will strengthen the defense system of the country. The two-day Defense Expo East Tech 2024 in Kolkata is a great example of indigenous advanced technology. 

Eastern Command Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. RC Srikanth told reporters that the defense industry and the armed forces are now working on various counter-drone technologies and they are being used against enemies who pose a threat to national security. Today drones have become a major threat both armed forces and industry are aware of this fact. So we have to develop a countermeasure. Some drones are already in use and others will be incorporated in due course. But the odds of supply in East India have to be overcome.

SIDM president Rajinder Singh Bhatia said this would especially encourage MSMEs in eastern regions like West Bengal which tops the country in defense manufacturing. He said that 'East Tech 2024' will provide an important platform to these initiatives. West Bengal Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Arup Biswas expressed confidence in the state's cooperation for technological development to meet the changing operational requirements of the Indian Army in defence.