As India asserts its position as a rising global force in defence innovation, homegrown enterprises like Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS) are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the future of indigenous military technology. At the helm of this transformation is Sahil Luthra, Founder and Managing Director of VTDS, whose vision transcends borders and emphasizes strategic collaborations without compromising self-reliance.
In January 2025, Luthra led a significant delegation to Kazakhstan, a move that signals VTDS’s intent to deepen engagement with Central Asian nations and position India as a trusted partner in defence technology. With a firm focus on co-development, knowledge-sharing, and long-term alliances, the visit underscores how VTDS is blending global outreach with its core philosophy of Make in India.
In this exclusive interview, Luthra offers insights into the Kazakhstan visit, the company’s differentiating strengths in today’s complex security environment, and the role of Joint Ventures and Technology Transfers (ToTs) in scaling capabilities. He also reflects on how VTDS balances international collaboration with national interest—aiming to fortify India’s defence ecosystem while building a future-ready, innovation-led global footprint.
From advanced munitions to smart systems, VTDS is emerging as a key player in redefining India’s defence narrative—and this conversation reveals exactly how.
1. Can you share key insights from your recent visit to Kazakhstan and how it reflects your strategy for expanding into Central Asia?
Our visit to Kazakhstan in January 2025 was a key step in aligning with VTDS’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across Central Asia. Kazakhstan represents a gateway for regional cooperation in defence innovation, and our discussions underscored the growing demand for indigenous capabilities. We explored avenues for knowledge-sharing, advanced munitions development, and partnerships with regional defence entities. These engagements are part of our vision to contribute to regional capability-building while promoting India’s technological edge on a global platform.
2. While respecting confidentiality, could you elaborate on the nature of discussions held in Kazakhstan and the relevance of such international engagements to your long-term vision?
The discussions were centered around technological exchange, co-development prospects, and the possibility of long-term joint ventures. Such engagements are not only strategic but essential to VTDS’s roadmap of building global alliances while staying rooted in indigenous innovation. Our long-term vision includes establishing India as a trusted defence technology partner, and dialogues like these enable collaboration, shared learning, and capacity-building at an international scale.
3. Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions has rapidly gained attention for its indigenous innovation—what sets your defence solutions apart in today’s evolving security landscape?
VTDS stands out by blending cutting-edge design with indigenous R&D to create highly precise, efficient, and adaptable defence solutions. Our approach is rooted in engineering excellence, supported by strategic collaborations with domain experts. While we are in the advanced stages of development, our focus remains on building future-ready systems that address dynamic security challenges, with a strong emphasis on quality, innovation, and mission readiness.
4. What role do Joint Ventures and ToTs play in scaling Vijayan Trishul Defence’s capabilities, both within India and on the global stage?
Joint Ventures and Technology Transfers (ToTs) are critical pillars in scaling VTDS’s capabilities. Domestically, they help us build advanced production capacity and bring global expertise into indigenous frameworks. Internationally, such collaborations enable co-development, foster shared R&D initiatives, and reinforce India’s presence as a reliable defence partner. They also accelerate time-to-market for key technologies while ensuring compliance with global standards.
5. With a growing footprint across multiple continents, how is Vijayan Trishul balancing global collaborations with the Make in India initiative?
VTDS views international collaborations as complementary to the Make in India initiative. By working with global partners, we are not outsourcing but localizing excellence. We ensure that the core technologies are adapted, produced, and enhanced within India, empowering local talent and industries. This dual approach not only strengthens India’s strategic autonomy but also reinforces our position in the global defence ecosystem as an innovation-driven, self-reliant player.
