Archives February 2025

Noida, 21st February 2025: AAFT, one of India’s Largest Creative Educational institutes, recently announced the appointment of Nikkhil Beri, a Grammy award-winning producer, as the Industry Dean at AAFT School of Music. As a music producer and mix engineer, Mr. Beri has spent nearly two decades working with genres that range from Folk, Spiritual, Pop, Pop Rock to Acoustic. His work has taken him on a journey around the world, mixing for the Grammy-winning recording “Divine Tides” and collaborating with various musicians, from emerging talents to industry bests. He has also served as a sound engineer for Royal Caribbean Cruises, handling sound in some of the most advanced entertainment venues at the sea. His dedication to making high-quality music is evident in every mix, making them stand apart from the rest.

As the new Dean of Industry, Mr. Beri’s wealth of experience and niche knowledge about the ground reality will help students develop technical know-how and navigate the industry successfully. His mentorship will encourage students to explore their creativity to their fullest potential. With him on board, AAFT is excited to take its music program a notch higher and provide students with a practical learning experience, supervised by a true industry expert.

On his appointment Mr. Nikkhil Beri said, “Music is on the brink of a transformative future, and I believe it is essential for every student at AAFT to understand music in all its facets truly. My goal is to guide them through this journey, helping them explore and master every aspect of music. This vision will not only redefine the music industry but also create a completely new definition of what the music industry can be. Together, we will empower students to become innovators in the music world and reshape the industry’s future.”

Akshay Marwah, CEO of AAFT, shared, “We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Mr. Nikkhil Beri as the Industry Dean for the School of Music at AAFT. Grammy Award-winning music producer with a dynamic career in the global music industry, Mr. Beri, brings unparalleled expertise and creativity to our institution. Under his guidance, it will be a new horizon for AAFT to set benchmarks in academic excellence while allowing students to learn from one of the most accomplished and respected professionals in the industry.”

With an illustrious 31-year legacy, At AAFT, creativity and practicality is the central focus of the curriculum and the institution’s priorities, nurturing a vision in aspiring musicians that enables them to leave a mark in the industry. AAFT remains committed to providing top-tier programs that equip aspiring musicians with the skills and vision to excel in the global Interior landscape.

Mumbai, 21 February 2025: “We discovered the market value of makhana before people even adopted it. Healthy snacking was an untapped space, and we saw the opportunity before it became mainstream,” said, Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, at the fourth edition of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, in Mumbai today.

Participating in the session titled ‘The Next Generation: Making Business Better’, Shashwat Goenka expressed how his organization identified the potential of makhana early.

Adding to the conversation, Shashwat Goenka, said, “Indians have a very unique way of consuming things. They want the punch of flavor in their snacks, but they also want them to be healthy. That’s the balance we aim to perfect. We will always prioritize health, but the taste will trump everything else. If a product is not enjoyable, consumers will not come back to it.”

Speaking on reinventing traditional snacking, Shashwat Goenka noted, “We identified the space of healthy snacking in time. Our bhujias have 45% less saturated fat, but they don’t compromise on taste. Today, we offer a gamut of healthy snacks that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Consumption has changed in the last two decades.”

Talking about the evolution of quick commerce, Shashwat Goenka added, “Quick commerce has taken off, and Indian consumers today are more aspirational and willing to try new things. Continuous supply chain availability is key to meeting this demand. “

Speaking on competition and success in the snacking industry, Shashwat Goenka said, “There is a heat of competition in the snacking market. Technology is changing faster than ever, and faster adoption of tech is the key to success. However, it is important to have a work-life balance. The number of hours does not matter; productivity does. Mukesh Ambani is someone I admire in this space as he has perfect vision, as well as Elon Musk.”

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centered on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilization and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

New Delhi, 21st February 2025 – Aksum Trademart Pvt. Ltd., a leading B2B supply chain startup, has reported a remarkable 143% year-over-year revenue growth for FY24, reaching ₹240 crore. The company’s profit before tax surged over 700%, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine supply chains with sustainability and accessibility at their core.

Aksum, backed by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), has expanded into over 40 cities across India, broadening its product portfolio to include polymers alongside steel, scrap, chemicals, and construction materials. Its 600+ unique SKUs and tech-driven procurement automation solutions have streamlined supply chain operations for corporates and MSMEs alike.

“We are ready to build on this momentum in FY25 with a continued focus on creating sustainable and efficient supply chains for corporates and SMEs while upholding strong corporate governance,” said Sumit Bhatia, Co-founder of Aksum Trademart.

Sustainability at the Core

Aksum has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by deriving over 50% of its revenue from scrap and secondary steel, helping businesses reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance operational efficiency. This initiative supports a circular economy, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional procurement.

Technology-Driven Growth & Financial Strength

Aksum’s digital-first approach has enabled seamless procurement, enhanced vendor-client collaboration, and real-time transparency. The company has also strengthened its financial foundation through partnerships with SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Yes Bank, offering working capital solutions to its clients.

To uphold transparency and governance, Aksum has appointed Grant Thornton as its statutory auditor, reinforcing trust among stakeholders.

As Aksum steps into FY25, it remains dedicated to leveraging technology, sustainability, and financial inclusion to build an efficient, responsible, and scalable supply chain ecosystem that empowers businesses of all sizes.

Chandigarh, February 21, 2025: The Minerals & Metals (M&M) business vertical of L&T secured an order from Hindalco for setting up an 850 KTPA (kilo tonne per annum) greenfield alumina refinery plant in Odisha. The scope of work includes engineering, procurement, construction & installation.

L&T has been associated with Hindalco for over three decades, playing a key role as an EPC contractor in their expansion programs across alumina, aluminum, and copper plants. The new order signifies Hindalco’s trust in L&T as a dependable partner to drive their ambitious growth plans.

M&M earlier secured an order for setting up an 8 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) Pellet Plant from a leading steel producer in India. The scope of work includes engineering, manufacturing, supply, construction & installation in collaboration with reputed technology providers.

“M&M has successfully commissioned several steel plants and alumina refinery projects, both greenfield and brownfield, across India and the Middle East. These new orders reaffirm L&T’s leadership in EPC steel plants and alumina refinery projects and are a testament to its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Mr D K Sen, Executive Committee Member & Advisor to the CMD, L&T.

L&T’s M&M vertical offers world-class end-to-end solutions in the EPC domain across sectors such as mining, minerals processing, industrial products, and material handling. Its product business provides cost-effective end-to-end solutions for industries such as mining, cement, steel, fertilizers, and ports.

India, February 21, 2025 – Epson, a global leader in digital imaging and printing solutions, has announced the launch of the SureColor G6030, its first ever wide-format Direct-to-Film (DTFilm) printer engineered to meet the evolving needs of the textile printing industry. This 35 inch Direct-to-Film printer is essential for textile businesses seeking high-quality, durable, vibrant and versatile printing on a wide range of fabrics with ease and efficiency. The SC-G6030, part of the new SureColor G-Series product line, is designed to help garment manufacturers, home décor vendors and print service providers achieve superior print quality with enhanced reliability, efficiency, and minimal maintenance. With this introduction, Epson addresses the growing market shift from Direct-to-Garment (DTG) to DTFilm printing, indicating an increasing preference for versatile, cost-efficient printing solutions.

Reliable, Low-Maintenance Printing for Seamless Operations

Designed for low maintenance, the SC-G6030 is designed to streamline operations by eliminating the need for daily maintenance tasks, making it a highly efficient solution for textile businesses. The printer is equipped with an automated maintenance system and a fabric printhead wiper cleaning system, which requires only a few minutes of upkeep per week to ensure uninterrupted high-quality output. This maximizes uptime and productivity for businesses.

The SC-G6030 is also equipped with a white ink circulation system that prevents sedimentation, reducing clogging and maintaining consistent print quality. The fabric wiper system requires only occasional replacement of consumables, unlike traditional rubber wipers that demand daily cleaning. Unlike traditional printers, it only requires a simple shake of the white ink pack at the beginning of each day. The DTF printer automates key processes like nozzle checks, bi-directional adjustments, paper feed adjustments, and job sending. This enables parallel task execution, allowing a single operator to manage multiple units, which reduces manual follow-up work and significantly lowers operational costs.

Versatile Printing Performance & Enhanced Efficiency

The SC-G6030 offers various print modes to meet customer needs and expand application possibilities. It delivers print speeds, producing full-color graphics in under 9 minutes¹, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Designed for precision and reliability, its advanced five-color ink system (CMYK, and White) ensures vibrant and durable prints on a variety of fabrics. The compact SC-G6030 features a front-loading media design with a 35-inch print width, optimizing transfer efficiency and enabling oversized graphic production.

Compact & Space-Efficient Design

Engineered for efficiency, the SC-G6030 requires minimal floor space, making it ideal for businesses with space constraints. Its front-loading design optimizes workflow, ensuring ease of operation in compact environments. The 1.6L high-capacity ink supply system reduces the need for frequent refilling, making it perfect for high-volume production. Additionally, the DTF printer features a specialized cap station and suction cap system, minimizing manual upkeep. The built-in cutter function prevents the film from falling off the printer by using a countdown, reducing waste and improving manual post-processing productivity.

Sustainability & Compliance

The printer is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) approved, guaranteeing that the entire printing process—from raw materials to final product labeling—follows environmentally responsible and ethical practices. The inks are certified by the Oeko-Tex® Eco Passport, guaranteeing these inks are free from harmful substances and meet stringent safety and environmental standards. These certifications make the SC-G6030 a trusted choice for businesses seeking high-quality output with a strong focus on sustainability.

“Epson’s direct-to-garment (DTG) printers are already widely used for direct-to-film (DTFilm) applications, and with the growing adoption of DTF, the SureColor G6030 is designed to meet the rising demand for cost-effective, high-quality printing solutions. As Epson’s first wide-format Direct-to-Film (DTFilm) printer, the SureColor G6030 offers lower print costs, faster speeds, and ease of use—providing businesses with an efficient alternative to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. Powered by PrecisionCore® Micro TFP® printhead technology and enhanced with new UltraChrome® DF inks, this launch of G6030 represents a strategic move to broaden Epson’s footprint in the apparel printing market, integrating user-friendly and sustainable features.” said Mr Prabagaran S, Senior General Manager – SCN/SIDM/SP – Sales & Marketing, Epson India

Bengaluru, February 21st, 2025: The Bengaluru edition of the ‘My Music, My Rights: Creators Connect Programme’ by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) witnessed an overwhelming response yesterday, as Bengaluru, known for its thriving independent music scene, welcomed music creators, independent artists, and industry professionals eager to gain crucial insights into the evolving music ecosystem. The event, hosted at the Indian Music Experience Museum, provided a dynamic platform for creators to deepen their understanding of IP rights, royalties, music publishing, and digital monetization strategies.

The session featured engaging panel discussions and expert-led presentations, equipping participants with actionable strategies to navigate the music industry. Industry leaders shared their expertise on critical aspects such as enhancing music production, leveraging YouTube’s potential, and exploring sustainable career opportunities in the creative economy.

Speakers included Karan Grover, Senior Director – India, Middle East & Africa, Dolby Labs; Santhosh Kumar (Vice President Think Music, Believe); Panimalar K (Rachō Publishing); Mr. Ujjwal Mukhia (Founder & CEO Artist Connect); Varun Murali (Guitarist at Swarathma, Music Producer and Founder The Red Music Box); Deepak Hariharan (Creative Director Paradox Studios) and Sangeetha Rajeev (Singer-Songwriter) and Mrs. Rumpa Banerjee, Head of Marketing, Communication & Member Relations at IPRS. The discussion offered invaluable perspectives on the business of music, guiding attendees on protecting their rights and maximizing their creative output.

Varun Murali, Guitarist at Swarathma, Music Producer, and Founder of The Red Music Box, shared his insights, stating, “The journey of an artist is as much about passion as it is about knowledge and awareness. Platforms like ‘My Music, My Rights’ provide artists with the essential tools and understanding to protect and monetize their creations, ensuring a more secure and thriving music career.”

Adding to this, Singer-Songwriter Sangeetha Rajeev remarked, “Music creators often focus solely on their art, but knowing how to safeguard and benefit from it is just as important. IPRS’s initiative is a game-changer, enabling artists to take charge of their rights and revenues in a rapidly evolving industry.”

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, expressed, “It’s immensely rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the creators today. The overwhelming response reinforces IPRS’s commitment to empowering music creators by educating them about their rights and the resources available to them. To see such a diverse group of creators come together to learn, share, and grow is inspiring. This initiative is all about fostering a culture where creators are empowered, and their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded.”

Bengaluru, with its rich musical heritage and vibrant community of independent artists, proved to be the perfect backdrop for the ‘My Music, My Rights’ initiative. Building on the momentum of this session, upcoming editions of ‘My Music, My Rights’ are scheduled for Chennai on 6th March, Lucknow on 26th March, and Patna on 9th April, continuing IPRS’s mission to empower music creators nationwide.

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) remains committed to safeguarding the rights of music creators, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to build sustainable careers while contributing to a more equitable and thriving music industry.

New Delhi, 21st February 2025: The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, made a strong impression at South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025 with the grand inauguration of the Goa Pavilion at Yashobhoomi (IICC), New Delhi. The pavilion was officially inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who is leading the Goa delegation at the event. He is accompanied by Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Tourism Minister; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC; Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism, Department of Tourism; and Smt Chitra Vengurlekar, Assistant Tourist Officer, Department of Tourism. Goa Tourism will be showcasing its diverse offerings at SATTE 2025 over the next two days, until 21st February 2025.

As part of the event, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, along with dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Uzbekistan, Shri Umid Shadiev; Hon’ble Vice Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand, Shri Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham; Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Shri Temjen Imna Along; Shri Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India; Smt Pallavi Mehra, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets & Publisher, Travel Trends Today; Shri Peter Hall, President, IMEA, Informa Markets; and Chairman, STIC Group, Shri Subhash Goyal, participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion at SATTE India 2025. The discussion explored key trends and opportunities shaping the global tourism landscape.

During the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte held a meeting with the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Uzbekistan, Shri Umid Shadiev, to explore tourism collaboration opportunities. He also interacted with media persons and conducted a B2B meeting with top officials, accompanied by Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS.

Speaking about Goa’s participation at SATTE 2025, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated, “Goa has always been a pioneer in the tourism sector, and at SATTE 2025, we are further strengthening our vision of responsible and regenerative tourism. Our focus is on sustainable and experiential travel, enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring benefits for local communities. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, stakeholders, and travellers to showcase the evolving dimensions of Goa’s tourism sector.”

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE / Chennai, INDIA – February 21, 2025 – Global aviation software specialist Ramco Systems announced that it will implement its next-gen Aviation Software at Fly Vaayu. Fly Vaayu, which is part of the UAE-based Vaayu Group, is a cargo airline based out of Ras Al Khaimah.

With modules for CAMO, Maintenance Planning, Line Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, and Finance & Accounting, Ramco Aviation Software will provide Fly Vaayu with an integrated platform that will streamline its operations, enhance process efficiencies, and improve productivity. The implementation will also be rolled out at Pradhaan Air Express, India’s youngest cargo airline, and a strategic investment of the Vaayu Group.

Mr. Mujahid Hussain, Chief Information Officer, of  Fly Vaayu, said, “We were looking for a solution that would help us scale our operations and serve our customers with a robust digital infrastructure. Ramco Aviation Software’s extensive functionalities and its adaptability would augur well for the customer offerings that Vaayu plan to offer. We are confident that Ramco’s latest technology will offer us a technological edge for our growing business.”

Fly Vaayu plans to build RAK into a regional cargo hub by offering its capacity to forwarders, importers, exporters, transhippers, e-commerce players, last-mile providers, and charterers. It will operate on routes to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Fly Vaayu took delivery of its first A320-200P2F in Oct 2024. It is the first A320 freighter registered in the Middle East and the first A320P2F conversion completed at the ST Aerospace (Guangzhou) Aviation Services facility.

Speaking on the development, Nipun Anand, Founder and CEO, of Pradhaan Air Express, said, “We are pleased to have chosen Ramco’s proven software that would give Pradhaan a sustainable competitive advantage. Its AI-based solutions would enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer service—key factors in the competitive air cargo market.”

Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems, “We are thrilled to join forces with Fly Vaayu and Pradhaan Air Express to support them in their expansion journey to emerge as the leading cargo airlines. Equipped with the latest technology stacks around artificial intelligence and machine learning, Ramco Aviation Software has been helping organizations digitally transform their business. We look forward to a long and fruitful association with Fly Vaayu and Pradhaan Air Express.”

Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 24,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. With 90+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for top Airlines, 3rd party MROs, large Heli-Operators, leading Defense organizations, and major Urban Air Mobility companies around the world. Available on the cloud, Ramco Aviation Suite provides accessibility with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly accelerating organizational efficiency and agility. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence solutions, intelligent voice-enabled user experience, and advanced features such as digital task cards, offline maintenance capability, conversational chatbots, HUBs,s, and cognitive solutions.

Mumbai, February 21, 2025 – Moneyboxx Finance Limited, which provides business loans to micro and small entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban India, reported 30.08% growth in profits in 9M FY25 at INR 6.53 crore, compared to INR 5.02 crore in 9M FY24. Profit growth was supported by strong 56% YoY growth in AUM to INR 837 crore as of Dec’24, driven by branch expansion and productivity of vintage branches.

In Q3 FY25, Moneyboxx accelerated its strategy of geographic diversification and secured lending expansion. The company moved towards establishing a pan-India presence by launching operations in key southern states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In line with this expansion, its strategic focus on secured lending yielded strong results, with secured loans accounting for 38% of AUM in Q3 FY25—more than doubling from 17% in Q3 FY24. With a target of ~45% secured lending share by March 2025, Moneyboxx continues to enhance its portfolio resilience and growth trajectory.

With the equity funds received in Q2 FY25, net worth increased by 57% to INR 264.5 crore, and CRAR improved to 35.76% compared to 28.28% in Mar’24, resulting in strong capital adequacy. The company is supported by 33 lenders, including 12 banks and recently onboarded Indian Overseas Bank, Bajaj Finance, Nabkisan Finance, and Suryoday Small Finance Bank.

Highlights of Q3 FY25 Financial Results

Building a national franchise with a focus on secured lending: The company expanded operations to 160 branches across 12 states as of Dec’24 compared to 86 branches in 8 states in Dec’23. Geographic and product diversification improved with entry into the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in 9M FY25, and an increasing share of secured lending, which more than doubled from 17% of AUM in Q3 FY24 to 38% in Q3 FY25.

AUM grew by 56% to INR 837 crores as of 31-Dec-24 compared to INR 536 crore on 31-Dec-23, led by branch expansion and higher productivity of branches having 36+ months of vintage.

30.08% growth in net profit during 9M FY25: Total Income grew by 72% to INR 147.09 crore in 9M FY25 compared to INR 85.55 crore in 9M FY24, in line with growth in AUM. Declining opex trajectory paused at 12.6% of average AUM during 9M FY25 compared to 12.7% in FY24 due to significant branch expansion and lower-than-expected AUM growth. Net interest margin remained stable, and Pre-provision operating profits doubled to INR 9.59 crore in Q3 FY25 from INR 4.65 crore in Q3 FY24, however, credit costs increased to INR 9.35 crore in Q3 FY25 from INR 1.96 crore in Q3 FY24, limiting the growth in profit after taxes. PAT declined in Q3 FY25 compared to Q2 FY25 due to an increase in credit cost, mirroring the industry trend. The Company posted a profit after taxes of INR 6.54 crore during 9M FY25 compared to INR 5.02 crore in Q3 FY24.

Intensified Collection Efforts and Strong Capital Adequacy: The unsecured loan industry witnessed an increase in delinquencies starting Q1 of FY25 owing to various factors, including, subdued rural economic growth, general elections, erratic weather (heatwaves, floods in certain areas) and high indebtedness in certain segments. In line with the overall industry trend, the Company experienced an increase in delinquency, and consequently, higher credit costs in FY25 year-to-date. Gross NPA (on-book) increased to 5.60% of AUM as of 31.12.2024 compared to 2.78% as of 30.09.2024. Net NPA (on-book) increased to 2.88% as of 31.12.2024 compared to 1.41% as of 30.09.2024.

Commenting on the results, Deepak Aggarwal (Co-CEO & CFO) said, “Remarkable progress was made during the year on various strategic fronts – pivoting to secured lending, geographic diversification with entry into South India, and gaining strong support from lending partners and equity investors. With a sound business model focused on 3 P’s (People, Processes, and Product), a strong balance sheet, and focused collection efforts, we remain confident of successfully navigating the current credit cycle.”

The company also strengthened its capital position by announcing an equity raise of INR 175.8 crore (INR 91.08 crore received in Sep’24 and balance INR 84.72 crore receivable by Mar’26) which provides adequate cushion. With the fundraising, net worth increased from INR 169 crore as of Mar’24 to INR 265 crore as of Dec’24 and an expected capital infusion of INR 84.72 crore on warrants conversion will increase the capital base to over INR 350 crore. The capital adequacy ratio remained healthy at 35.76% and the debt-to-equity ratio was low at 1.78 times as of December 31, 2024. Moreover, increasing focus on secured lending (50% of disbursements in Q3 FY25 and 38% of AUM as of Dec’24) and improving geographic diversification with a presence in 12 states spread across India is expected to yield stability in asset quality going forward.

Chandigarh, February 21, 2025: Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a 100% subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, India, and AM General, USA, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) at IDEX 2025 for the supply of made in India advanced artillery cannons to the United States. This marks the first-ever supply of cannons from an Indian defence manufacturer to the United States, a testament to the strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between our two nations.

Building upon its extensive expertise in artillery systems and its prior collaboration with AM General, KSSL continues to establish itself as a key player in the global defence industry. The company had recently entered an agreement with AM General to co-develop a wide range of next-generation artillery solutions, including mounted, towed, and ultra-light gun systems in both 105mm and 155mm calibers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing IDEX in AbuDhabi, Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd. said, “Supply of made in India critical defence systems to the United States is pathbreaking! We at KSSL are proud to be the first Indian company to supply cannons to U.S. It is a testament to our capabilities and a major advancement in our mission to be a world leading Artillery Solutions provider. This agreement underscores the trust and confidence that global defence leaders, such as AM General, place in our capabilities. It also reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, battle-proven solutions to meet modern warfare requirements.”

AM General, a global leader in military vehicle platforms, has been actively exploring next-generation artillery solutions. The company’s prior collaboration with KSSL on artillery platforms has paved the way for this deeper engagement. John Chadbourne, Executive Vice President, AM General, shares, “This Letter of Intent with KSSL represents an important step in expanding our strategic partnership. Given KSSL’s proven artillery capabilities and our shared commitment to technological innovation, we see tremendous potential in bringing advanced artillery solutions to the U.S. defence forces. AM General and Mandus are looking forward to exploring this collaboration with Kalyani Group to ultimately deliver Advance Mobile Artillery Capabilities.”

This initiative also comes after India-U.S. bilateral defence meeting, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and their joint efforts in strengthening defence industrial cooperation. It also underscores India’s growing defence manufacturing footprint and its emergence as a trusted supplier of advanced weaponry to global markets.