BITS Pilani can collaborate with DRDO: Manohar Parrikar

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Panaji: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said the Defence Research and Development Organisation was ready to collaborate with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani for research.

"DRDO does a lot of research activities, today you name the field and we are there. We have been doing research to make India totally self sufficient in the field of missile technology," Parrikar said, addressing the convocation of BITS Pilani at its Vasco campus in Goa.

"I would urge upon the director of BITS to come forward and approach DRDO and take up further enhancement of research," the minister said.

India was not taken seriously globally but this had changed now, he said.

"...In the last two years, India has proved its technological capability....In last two years I have seen transforming changes which are happening on the global front. India is now being recognised for its strength, capability in many sectors including technology and this has happened after Modi Government came to power," he said.

Technology for environmental protection and that for the betterment of the society go together, he said, adding, "We have to be very sensitive about how we use the natural resources and engineering plays very important role in the same."

To attain the greatness which India deserves, technology was crucial, the Defence Minister said.