India 10-15 years behind in traditional technologies, says DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat
Bengaluru: DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has highlighted that India is lagging behind by 10-15 years in traditional technologies compared to most countries. Speaking at the 15th Air Chief Marshal LM Khatre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, Kamat emphasised the need for academia, DRDO, and industry to work collaboratively rather than in isolation to tackle emerging challenges.
Kamat stressed the importance of capacity-building, particularly in engineering education. He pointed out that while India produces a large number of engineers, many lack the necessary skills for research and development (R&D) work. “We need to upgrade our infrastructure, provide hands-on experience, and pay professors more to equip students for cutting-edge research,” he stated.
Referring to India’s focus on disruptive technologies, Kamat expressed optimism that the country could leapfrog and close the technological gap. He also mentioned that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a twin-engine combat aircraft, is expected to be delivered by 2028.
Kamat discussed the Ministry of Defence's approval of the Technology Development Fund (TDP), which aims to support high-risk projects similar to the US’ Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He urged for an increase in India’s defence R&D budget, noting that India currently spends 0.65% of its GDP on the sector, far behind the US and China.
Regarding DRDO’s future projects, Kamat mentioned plans for high-end autonomous vehicles, robotic soldiers, and light tanks, the latter of which is in the prototype stage and expected to be delivered to the Indian Army by 2027.
Kamat also reflected on the challenges faced in the development of the Kaveri engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas, calling it a “rookie mistake.” He explained that the engine did not deliver the required thrust, and the mistake was in designing the platform and engine simultaneously, rather than developing a platform around an available engine. To reduce risks in future engine development, DRDO is exploring collaboration with international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric. Both Safran and Rolls-Royce have assured that intellectual property will remain with India during collaborative development, which will significantly enhance the country's capabilities.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
