Hyderabad, Dec.6 (RAHNUMA): Commodore A. Madhavarao, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), said that “now is the right time for entrepreneurs to enter the Space sector”, citing strong government support and rapid private sector participation.
He was delivering the keynote address at the CII Telangana Defence and Aerospace conclave 2025, held in Hyderabad, themed “Innovate, Integrate and Indigenise for Aerospace & Defence Sector”.
Madhavarao said India’s defence exports crossed Rs.23,000 crore in 2024-25, and the country is following the “Make in India for the Globe” strategy. He highlighted that around 6% of BDL’s turnover is invested in R&D, and over 3,500 firms, including 1,500 MSMEs – are registered as BDL business partners. He urged the students to become ‘job creators, not job seekers’, by converting innovative ideas into products.
Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Council for Higher Education and Head, Centre for Aerospace and Defence at NALSAR, said India’s aviation, space and defence sectors are rapidly expanding due to globalization and liberalization. He stressed the need for a dedicated space law and called for new academic courses to meet growing industry demand, including emerging areas like ‘air taxis and air ambulances’.
R. Sivaprasad Reddy, Chairman, CII Telangana and MD, Rachamallu Forgings Ltd., said “Telangana has emerged as a preferred destination for defence and aerospace investments due to fast-track governance and sector-focused infrastructure, including the Aerospace and Precision Engineering SEZ at Adibatla”. He noted the growing participation of global OEMs and MSMEs in defence supply chains.
Pooja Jamwal, Convenor, CII Telangana Defence and Aerospace Panel and Head–Strategy at Cyient DLM, said the global aerospace sector is being transformed by “AI-driven innovations and cybersecurity”, and called for a strong ecosystem bringing together OEMs, PSUs and startups.
Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, CMD, Ananth Technologies, highlighted that “India’s space sector has opened up to private entrepreneurs, allowing them to launch satellites and build launch infrastructure”. He identified ‘digital highways’ in space as the next major opportunity.
Col. M. Jayaram, CEO, Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems, said the sector reflects national pride and strategic strength, and praised Telangana’s model of integrated governance and industry collaboration.
The conclave witnessed participation from industry leaders, senior government officials, policymakers and leading academic institutions.
