Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival, at IIT Kanpur. During a Fireside Chat, Gen Chauhan discussed the necessity of technological advancement and modernization within the Indian Armed Forces, focusing on preparing for future wars in domains such as Cyber, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Cognitive Technologies, according to a Ministry of Defence statement on Friday.

In his address, General Chauhan stressed the importance of embracing cutting-edge technologies and strategic innovation to tackle future security challenges. Addressing scholars, students, and NCC cadets, he highlighted values such as discipline, resilience, courage, and sacrifice, inspiring students to pursue careers in defence and technology.

The inaugural event featured prominent guests, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, and IIT Kanpur Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal. The festival’s theme, Panta Rhei (Everything Flows), symbolizes the continuous evolution of technology and innovation.

A key highlight of the event was Rakshakriti, a Defence Expo showcasing cutting-edge defence technology. Gen Chauhan engaged with young technologists, emphasizing the importance of academia, industry, and defence collaboration. The event provided a platform for researchers to connect with industry leaders, promoting the development of advanced technologies like autonomous drones to strengthen national security and reduce import dependence.