DRDO’s Dr. Hara Prasad Opens ICISSGT-2026 Conference in Visakhapatnam
Dr. R.V. Hara Prasad inaugurated the IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Smart & Green Technologies (ICISSGT-2026) in Visakhapatnam. This significant event highlights India’s growing focus on defense technology and innovation. Hosted jointly by the Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NSTL) and the IEEE Vizag Bay Section, the conference spans two days and brings together over 100 delegates from academia, industry, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Strategic Importance of ICISSGT-2026
The ICISSGT-2026 conference is a vital initiative for advancing India’s defense capabilities. It emphasizes the country’s commitment to indigenization and self-reliance. By fostering innovation, India aims to enhance its military capabilities amid increasing global tensions and regional security challenges.
Goals of the Conference
- Promote collaboration between military and civilian sectors.
- Develop scalable technologies for dual-use applications.
- Strengthen national defense through interdisciplinary innovation.
Impact on Stakeholders
The conference promotes new collaborative opportunities among various stakeholders:
| Stakeholder | Before ICISSGT-2026 | After ICISSGT-2026 |
|---|---|---|
| DRDO | Limited collaboration with civilian sectors. | Enhanced partnerships for dual-use technologies. |
| Indian Military | Dependent on imports for advanced technology. | Pathway to self-reliant defense solutions. |
| Research Sector | Fragmented focus on applications. | Integrated innovation and research approach. |
| Industry | Limited role in defense technology innovation. | Increased opportunities for collaboration and innovation. |
Coinciding with ICISSGT-2026, India successfully test-fired the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-3’. This achievement, showcasing Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology, strengthens India’s position as a leader in advanced missile capabilities.
Global and Regional Implications
The developments from ICISSGT-2026 have significant implications beyond India’s borders. Nations such as the United States are focusing on self-reliance in defense technology to deter potential threats. Concurrently, the UK and Canada are likely evaluating their military strategies in light of India’s technological advancements. Australia may also see India as a strategic partner in enhancing regional security against China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Future Trends Post-ICISSGT-2026
Looking forward, several trends may emerge following the conference:
- Increased collaborations between academia, defense R&D, and industry.
- Realignments in military alliances based on India’s technological advancements.
- Greater private sector involvement in defense research and development.
Initiatives like ICISSGT-2026 not only advance India’s technological capabilities but also reshape the global defense landscape by fostering balance and collaboration in an evolving geopolitical environment.
