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Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Indian government has urgently summoned leading defence equipment manufacturers for crucial discussions in Delhi next week.
This move signals a proactive approach to bolster the nation's strategic production capabilities. The high-level meeting follows recent cross-border hostilities and may lead to the announcement of new defence contracts.
Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, confirmed the upcoming meeting. Speaking to the media, Mr. Kalyani stated, "We have been called to Delhi next week, our team is going. Cannot say more," as reported by CNBC TV18. While he did not disclose further details, his statement has intensified speculation regarding the government's immediate defence priorities.
This development comes in the wake of reported drone and missile attacks from Pakistan on Jammu, and India's subsequent retaliatory action, "Operation Sindoor," which reportedly neutralized nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 6-7, 2025.
Industry observers and social media discussions suggest that the forthcoming meeting in Delhi could focus on several key areas. These may include the awarding of new defence contracts, directives to accelerate existing production schedules, or approvals for significant projects.
One such project often mentioned is Bharat Forge's substantial ₹6,900 crore agreement with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). Under this deal, Bharat Forge is slated to deliver 184 of these artillery units, valued at ₹4,140 crore.
Such initiatives align with the government's overarching policy of promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing through its 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) and 'Make in India' programs, which aim to develop a robust domestic defence industrial base.
Bharat Forge Limited, the main entity of the Kalyani Group, is a prominent global enterprise in metal forming and ranks as the world's second-largest forging manufacturer, following Germany’s ThyssenKrupp. Based in Pune, the company has significantly expanded its operations into the defence sector via its subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL).
KSSL is actively involved in producing a range of critical defence equipment, including advanced artillery systems, armoured vehicles, air defence solutions, and various types of ammunition. A notable achievement for Bharat Forge has been the indigenous development of the ATAGS, a 155mm/52 calibre artillery gun. This system has gained international recognition by achieving a world record firing range of 48 kilometres, outperforming many comparable artillery systems globally.
Under Mr. Kalyani's stewardship, Bharat Forge has also established strategic alliances with renowned international defence corporations. These include collaborations with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Elbit Systems, aimed at integrating advanced technologies into India's defence arsenal.
Furthermore, the company is a key participant in the Indian Air Force's Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) programme and is advancing its capabilities in developing precision ammunition, jet engines, and sophisticated naval systems, such as marine gas turbine engines for the Indian Navy. These efforts underscore a comprehensive approach to enhancing India's indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
