IIMV Signs MOU with National Academy of Defence Production (NADP) to Foster Capacity Building for Indian Defence Sector

The Indian Institute of Management Vishakhapatnam (IIMV) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Academy of Defence Production (NADP) to enhance the capacity-building efforts of the Indian defence sector. The MOU was signed by Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director of IIMV, and Dr. J. P. Dash, Chief General Manager of NADP.

IIMV is hosting the management module of the Mid-Career Training Program for Indian Ordnance Factory Service (IOFS) officers. The one-week training program, which began on December 23, 2024, offers the officers an opportunity to strengthen their managerial skills. The MOU was signed after welcoming 16 officers into the training program, further solidifying the commitment between IIMV and NADP to enhance leadership development within the Indian defence sector.

Beyond the immediate training module, the MOU includes long-term initiatives such as student exchange programs, conferences, and case studies, focusing on academic collaboration, research, and development in management, administration, and related areas to enhance functional and behavioral competencies.

Dr. J. P. Dash highlighted that IIMV’s core academic brilliance is a driving force behind the development of leadership excellence across a wide range of programs. He noted IIMV’s successful initiatives such as the Young Scientist Induction Program, the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF), and Executive Education Programs, among others. "IIMV is not just about adding value, but also about capturing value and helping every officer tap into the power of strategic thinking and leadership," said Dr. Dash. He further added, 'Knowledge applied is power,' highlighting how the practical use of knowledge unlocks transformative leadership and strategic success.

Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director of IIMV, expressed that this MOU is the result of a focused collaboration between both organizations, driven by their shared vision for national development. "This is a monumental achievement for both organizations and will make a lasting impact on the country’s defence production sector," he said.

The current program, hosted at IIMV, covers a comprehensive range of topics, including financial management, production strategies, and marketing. Prof. M. Shameem Jawed outlined such key themes in the training. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for scale and speed—particularly in defence production—is more critical than ever. Prof. Milan Kumar emphasized that, 'In a fast-changing world, robust decision-making is key to addressing these challenges,' and the training module is designed to equip participants with the essential skills to navigate these complexities effectively.

Sh. Minhaz Ahmad, Deputy General Manager of NADP and an IIMV alumnus, urged participants to make the most of the final phase of the Mid-Career Training Program at IIMV.

This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening India’s defence sector. This initiative is driven by the visionary leadership of Dr. J. P. Dash (NADP) and Prof. M. Chandrasekhar (IIMV), together, they are paving the way for building the next generation of leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving defence industry.