CDS Gen Chauhan Inaugurates Techkriti 2025, Emphasizes Tech in Future Wars

In one of the most anticipated sessions of the day, CDS General Anil Chauhan participated in a Fireside Chat with students and researchers.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival, hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This prestigious four-day festival brings together some of the brightest young minds in science, engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship from across India and abroad.

This year’s edition of Techkriti, themed “Panta Rhei”—Greek for “Everything Flows”—symbolizes the relentless pace of technological transformation and the need to stay ahead in an ever-evolving global landscape. The festival features a diverse lineup of competitions, workshops, keynote speeches, and exhibitions, all designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation among the youth.

A Fireside Chat on the Future of Warfare

In one of the most anticipated sessions of the day, CDS General Anil Chauhan participated in a Fireside Chat with students and researchers. Addressing a packed auditorium of scholars, young entrepreneurs, NCC cadets, and faculty members, General Chauhan delivered a compelling narrative on the urgent need for modernization and technological advancement in the Indian Armed Forces.

He underscored the significance of preparing for “Future Wars”, particularly in domains such as Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and Cognitive Warfare. Highlighting the rapidly changing nature of conflicts, he said, “The battlefield of tomorrow will be defined not just by boots on the ground but by algorithms, data, and innovation. We must be prepared to respond with agility and foresight.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Gen Chauhan also used the platform to inspire the young audience to channel their talents toward national development, particularly in defence research and technology. He emphasized the core values of discipline, resilience, courage, and sacrifice, which are not only integral to the armed forces but also to any challenging pursuit in science and entrepreneurship.

“The spirit of inquiry and innovation that I see here at IIT Kanpur is exactly what our nation needs,” he said. “India’s youth must lead the charge in creating indigenous solutions that strengthen our national security and reduce our dependence on foreign technology.”

Distinguished Guests and Collaboration Highlights

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur. Both dignitaries emphasized the critical need for synergy between academia, industry, and the defence sector in building a self-reliant India.

Prof. Agrawal, in his remarks, said, “Techkriti has always been a beacon of technological excellence, and the presence of defence leaders this year marks a new chapter in fostering national-level collaborations.”

‘Rakshakriti’: Defence Expo Steals the Spotlight

A standout feature of Techkriti 2025 is ‘Rakshakriti’, a dedicated Defence Expo showcasing the latest in Indian defence technology and innovation. From autonomous drones and robotic surveillance systems to AI-powered threat analysis tools, the exhibition provided a rare glimpse into the high-tech future of Indian defence capabilities.

General Chauhan spent time interacting with student innovators and defence startups, encouraging them to focus on scalable, mission-critical technologies. He reiterated the Armed Forces’ openness to collaborate with academic institutions and startups to co-develop solutions for modern warfare.

A Launchpad for National Innovation

Techkriti 2025 not only celebrates innovation but also serves as a launchpad for strategic partnerships, allowing researchers, startups, and policymakers to explore possibilities in defence manufacturing and R&D. This aligns with India’s larger goal of achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production.

With its mix of intellectual rigor, technological brilliance, and patriotic fervor, Techkriti 2025 promises to be a transformative event, one that redefines how youth, industry, and defence forces can collectively shape the future of national security and technological progress.

As the festival unfolds over the next few days, it will host hackathons, policy dialogues, startup showcases, and cultural events—making it not just a tech fest, but a movement of ideas with national and global significance.