Esri India, the market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping solutions in India, recently announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to collaborate on defence projects and programmes involving GIS, Location Intelligence and GeoAI.

BEL and Esri India have already delivered projects for the Indian defence services. This MoU will further strengthen the collaboration. Under the MoU, Esri India and BEL will jointly pursue opportunities in the defence sector by combining BEL’s deep domain expertise in defence electronics and systems integration with Esri India’s GIS, location intelligence and GeoAI capabilities. The two organisations will also work together to ensure the timely availability and deployment of GIS solutions to meet urgent, surge-driven operational requirements across India’s defence initiatives. Esri India will also extend training support to BEL to help them build in-house capability in GIS and GeoAI on its ‘Indo ArcGIS’ platform.

Managing director, Esri India, Agendra Kumar said, “Geospatial intelligence has evolved from being a support capability to becoming a strategic decision advantage in defence, enabling commanders to see, analyse and respond with greater speed and precision. As AI becomes deeply integrated into defence ecosystems, the convergence of GIS and GeoAI will play an increasingly critical role in building resilient, mission-ready capabilities. Our collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited is an important step towards advancing indigenous geospatial innovation, strengthening national capability and equipping India’s defence services with trusted, future-ready location intelligence and operational support.”

Director (BC) & Addl. Charge Director (Mktg), BEL, Rajnish Sharma said, “Bharat Electronics Limited has always focused on delivering advanced indigenous technologies for national security. Our partnership with Esri India brings together BEL’s expertise in defence systems and Esri India’s leadership in GIS, enabling us to develop next-generation geospatial solutions that empower defence forces with actionable intelligence, improved operational coordination, and superior situational awareness.”