Maj Gen Ashok K Dhingra (Retired)

Tri-Services Special Forces Division

Major General Ashok K Dhingra (Retired) is a distinguished veteran of the Indian Army with over 36 years of exemplary service. A dynamic and outcome-oriented leader, he is known for laying the foundation of the Tri-Services Special Forces Division and commanding an Infantry Division on the Indo-China Border. In his role as Defence & Military Attaché to the USA from 2013-2016, he played a pivotal role in strengthening Indo-US defense cooperation by focusing on security, technology transfer, and military education.

With a rich operational background, he gained extensive experience in counter-insurgency environments and commanded the Parachute Brigade, India's first responder for national contingencies. Early in his career, he was severely wounded as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka. His notable Special Forces assignments include serving as a UN Military Observer in Liberia and commanding his Battalion in Jammu & Kashmir. As a Colonel, he served in Integrated Defence Staff, contributing to capability development and long-term strategic planning. He has earned a Post-graduate degree in Defence Studies from Madras University and an Executive MBA from Osmania University.

Major General Dhingra's extensive experience and multi-domain expertise make him a key figure for BDTS 2026. His leadership in establishing the Tri-Services Special Forces Division and his work as Defence & Military Attaché to the USA highlight his unique ability to foster joint-service cooperation and international partnerships. He can provide invaluable insights into policy-making, technology acquisition, and military education, which will be of great interest to attendees. His operational background, particularly in counter-insurgency and as a first responder, offers a practical perspective on modern defense challenges and the development of effective, integrated strategies.

Rear Admiral Mohit Gupta, VSM, (Retired)

DG of India's Defence Cyber Agency

Rear Admiral Mohit Gupta, VSM (Retired) is a distinguished veteran of the Indian Navy, commissioned in 1986 from the National Defence Academy. A qualified submariner, he specialized in Naval Communications and Electronic Warfare. His extensive 38-year career includes commanding four submarines and the Frigate Beas, demonstrating exceptional leadership at sea.

On the academic front, Rear Admiral Gupta holds multiple post-graduate degrees, including in Electronics & Telecommunications, Defence Studies, and a Masters Diploma in Management with a specialization in Finance. He is an alumnus of both the Naval War College and the National Defence College, New Delhi, and has completed the 'Perisher' Submarine Command Course in the Netherlands.

In his senior leadership roles, he served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Submarines, acting as the Principal Advisor on submarine matters to the Chief of Naval Staff for over three years. Following this, he was tasked with establishing the Defence Cyber Agency, where he served as its first Director General for over five years before his superannuation in June 2024.

Rear Admiral Gupta's extensive expertise in naval strategy, cyber warfare, and submarine operations makes him a valuable addition to BDTS 2026. His experience in establishing and leading the Defence Cyber Agency provides a unique and forward-thinking perspective on cybersecurity and its critical role in modern defense. Attendees will benefit from his insights on navigating the complexities of technological advancements, particularly in the cyber domain, and its implications for national security. His background in naval command and strategic planning also offers a comprehensive view on joint-service operations, making his contributions essential for discussions on integrated defense strategies.

Air Marshal Sujeet P Dharkar, PVSM UYSM AVSM, (Retired)

Vice Chief of the Air Staff

Air Marshal Sujeet P. Dharkar, PVSM, AVSM, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (Retired), is a highly decorated officer and a veteran fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force with a distinguished career spanning 40 years. Commissioned in June 1985, he is an experienced flying instructor with over 3,600 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft.

A notable highlight of his career is the distinction of being the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency, a testament to his vision and strategic leadership in a modernizing force. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron, a Fighter Flying Training Establishment, and has held key appointments including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command. He also served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff before his superannuation in April 2025.

An alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College, National Defence Academy, and the US Air War College, Air Marshal Dharkar has also contributed to professional military education as an instructor. His contributions to the nation have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.

Air Marshal Dharkar's extensive experience in defense strategy, capability development, and leadership makes him an invaluable asset to BDTS 2026. His unique perspective as the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency, combined with his operational and command experience, provides a deep understanding of the intersection of traditional defense and emerging technologies. His insights will be crucial for discussions on modernizing defense capabilities and fostering strategic partnerships, offering attendees a rare opportunity to learn from a leader who has shaped the future of India's air and space security.

Dr. B.K. Das

Director General, ECS, DRDO

Dr. B.K. Das is a Distinguished Scientist and the current Director General of the Electronics & Communication Systems (ECS) technical cluster at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Appointed to this esteemed position on April 29, 2022, his leadership is integral to the development of state-of-the-art electronic, electro-optical, and laser-based sensor systems for India's defense sector.

With a career spanning over 33 years in DRDO, Dr. Das has played a pivotal role in the Indian Missile Program. He has been a key contributor to the test and evaluation of cutting-edge missile systems, demonstrating his profound technical expertise and strategic vision. His professional journey includes significant tenures in various capacities, such as leading a Senior Quality Assurance Establishment at the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), serving as the Controller (Missile System) in Secunderabad, and holding the position of Additional Director General (Electronics) at DGQA Headquarters in New Delhi. He has also served as the Director of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, a critical facility for India’s missile testing.

Dr. Das's academic and professional qualifications are extensive. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, and holds a certification in Reliability Engineering from IIT, Kharagpur. He is also a qualified Lead Auditor in Quality Management and Integrated Management Systems.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, technology, and national security, Dr. Das has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including:

• The Utkal Ratna Samman (2017)
• The Desh Gaurav Samman (2016)
• The National Leadership Award for a "Young Leader in the field of Science and Technology" (2008)
• The DRDO Scientist of the Year Award (2003)
• The INAE Young Engineer Award (1999)
• The NRDC Best Invention Award (1998)
• The DRDO Technology Award (1997)
• The Orissa Young Scientist Award (1997)

His work has been a key factor in advancing India's indigenous defense capabilities and has earned him a place among the nation's most respected scientific leaders.