State Minister for Defence, Sanjay Seth, stated today that MSMEs and start-ups are playing a crucial role in transforming India into a global defence manufacturing hub. He made this statement during the closing session of the National Defence Industries Conclave (NDIC) 2026, held in New Delhi. He highlighted that the record-high allocation to the Ministry of Defence in the 2026-27 Union Budget provides MSMEs and start-ups with the opportunity to make India's defence sector self-reliant. The two-day conclave brought together MSMEs, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, private defence companies, innovators, policymakers, and academia to discuss strengthening India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.