A new ecosystem is emerging for the defence sector as private industry participation increases, said R. Nandini, former chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region, in Coimbatore on Friday (June 27, 2025).

Speaking at the inauguration of The Hindu businessline MSME Growth Conclave – Coimbatore 2025, she said that micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) are at a pivotal moment and are navigating through a complicated international scenario.

With regard to the defence sector, there is a shift in government policy and a fundamental change in the mindset of entrepreneurs too, she said. Start-ups, the MSMEs and technology innovators are contributing to national security and defence production. Coimbatore plays a significant role in this as it has its strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and high precision industries. These units are in an advantageous position to contribute and benefit from this transition of the defence sector, she added.

Coimbatore has a history of strong collaboration with Germany and this should be showcased globally, she added.

Raghuvir Srinivasan, Editor of The Hindu businessline, said the fifth edition of the MSME conclave, which is organised in Bengaluru annually, has expanded this year to Coimbatore.

The event had panel discussions on “Delivering a Big Bang (on defence supplies)” and “Navigating Global Trade Disruptions”.

Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, in a fireside chat with Aarathi Krishnan, Consulting Editor of The Hindu businessline, spoke on free trade agreements, the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s posts on social media, and the trade happening between the U.S. and India.

The conclave, powered by Janatics and HDFC Bank, had SSVM Institutions Coimbatore, City Union Bank, Radiance Realty, SIDBI, South Indian Bank, Tally, Milky Mist, Indian Overseas Bank, and Union Bank of India as Associate Partners and Lexus as the Luxury Partner.