<h1>Minister urges MSMEs and startups to boost efforts to achieve Rs 50,000 crore defence-exports target, promoting regional youth participation</h1> A government minister urged MSMEs and startups to intensify efforts to meet a new national defence-exports target of Rs 50,000 crore, noting 16,000 MSMEs are currently associated with the Ministry of Defence and calling for greater participation from regional youth. Organisers reported robust industry engagement at the East Tech 2025 exhibition, with about 175 exhibitors and 400-plus delegates showcasing indigenous defence technologies. A representative of the armed command highlighted the collaborative platform provided by the joint organisers to connect defence manufacturers, MSMEs, startups and innovators to address operational challenges.