Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa of India, affirmed India’s position as a leading force in the Industry 4.0 revolution and a global hub of drone technology at the BHARAT DRONE MANTHAN -2024, a two-day Expo on Innovations & Technological Advancement in the Drones Ecosystem; UTM; UAM, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) systems & Allied Industries held from 27th to 28th March 2024 at PHD House, New Delhi.
The event, themed Making India a Global Drone Hub in Amrit Kaal,” highlighted the pivotal role of drones in driving inclusive growth and technological advancement across industries. Mr. Kant stated, “As India aims to ascend to a $35 trillion economy by 2047, we recognize the immense opportunities within the drone sector. The government has taken steps to support this growth through initiatives like the PLI scheme, fostering a thriving startup ecosystem in the drone economy. Anticipating significant expansion, with annual sales turnover projected to reach 1,500
crores in the next 2-3 years, our ambition is to secure 10% of the global market share, aiming for a $10 billion drone economy”.
Drone manufacturers should adopt a holistic approach, integrating advanced sensors and 5G technology to revolutionize capabilities Mr. Kant added. This integration within Industry 4.0 will drive inclusive growth, enabling real-time data analysis and decision-making across various sectors. Furthermore, Mr. Kant highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, robotics, and cloud technologies in shaping the future of drones, making them intelligent flying robots capable of autonomous operations and precise data analysis.
According to Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, “India’s drone industry thrives on innovation and competition, buoyed by a supportive government fostering growth. Initiatives like SVAMITVA and Drone Didi propel societal and economic transformation, empowering women-led groups. Government regulation paves the way for ease of business, with simplified rules and financial incentives like the PLI scheme. While export liberalization opens doors, domestic manufacturing remains a challenge, addressed by import policies and a call for innovation. Looking ahead, focus on design, UTM integration, and data management will drive sectoral evolution.”
Lieutenant General Vinod G. Khandare emphasized the importance of developing safety standards and testing protocols, he said there can be no compromise on that. He urged the PHDCCI to encourage testing centers to actively participate in this endeavor.
Mr. Sanjeev Agrawal, President, PHDCCI, expressed enthusiasm as deliberations were made on the future of drone technology, its applications, and its potential to transform various industries including agriculture, healthcare, and more. Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Executive Director of PHDCCI, emphasized the importance of preparing and ensuring consistent achievement of this target annually from 2025 to 2030, expressing confidence in meeting these goals given the supportive policies of the Indian government and the industry and its demand. He viewed this as a significant opportunity for all individuals, including entrepreneurs, startups, and young innovators, to
contribute to the industry and its growth.
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