Hyderabad: Operation Sindoor proved that indigenous innovation is India’s strongest shield. Homegrown drones, equipped with inbuilt detectors, jammers, and radars, and without a single imported component, successfully neutralised enemy drone threats, Ashok Atluri, Co-Chair of FICCI’s National Defence & Homeland Security Committee, said on Friday.Atluri, who is also the chairman & managing director of Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies, said R&D is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for MSMEs, in his inaugural address at FICCI’s MSME Xcelerate 2025. “While day-to-day operations may feel all-consuming, ignoring R&D risks irrelevance. Identifying the right area and committing focus can lead to transformative breakthroughs. To thrive globally, India must innovate for the world, not just for local markets. R&D can propel India to global leadership, and funding is no longer a barrier in India,” he said.V Suresh Babu, zonal head, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), NSIC-registered MSMEs get several benefits, including exemption from tender fees and security deposits, making it easier to participate in govt tenders. “Under the public procurement policy, it’s mandatory for PSUs to source at least 25% of their requirements from MSMEs. It’s a golden opportunity MSMEs must leverage. NSIC also supports MSMEs in showcasing their offerings through exhibitions, with up to 80% subsidy provided for domestic participation,” he said.FICCI’s Telangana State Council Chairman VV Rama Raju said though MSMEs are the lifeblood of the Indian economy with a 30% contribution to the GDP, they face several challenges in today’s rapidly evolving economic environment.
