In this episode of the State of Economy Podcast, businessline’s Dalip Singh speaks with Ashok Atluri, CMD of Zen Technologies, a pioneer in India’s simulation and counter-drone defence ecosystem. 

The conversation dives into Operation Sindhoor, where Zen’s counter-drone systems played a vital role in India’s air defence against threats from Pakistan. From autonomous drone warfare and indigenous defence tech development to post-quantum threats and India’s strategic push for defence self-reliance, this episode explores the cutting edge of modern military technology. 

They discuss the evolving global perception of Indian defence manufacturing. Once mocked as a major importer, India is now seen as an innovator, particularly in drones and simulators. He shares how foreign delegations were impressed by India’s containerised tank simulator, even calling it more advanced than US systems. 

Atluri stresses the need to shift from being mere suppliers in the defence chain to creating complete, world-class products. He advocates for nurturing innovation-driven Indian companies and reforming policy to support them. The conversation closes with reflections on national security, intelligence, and technological preparedness. 

(Host: Dalip Singh Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)  

About the State of the Economy podcast   

India’s economy has been hailed as a bright spot amid the general gloom that seems to have enveloped the rest of the world. But several sectors continue to stutter even as others seem to set to fire on all cylinders. 

Published on June 28, 2025