(Updating earlier copy)
New Delhi (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that ‘Aero India 2021’ will showcase India’s true potential as an emerging defence manufacturing hub in the world, and will be a big step towards the Central Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
While addressing the curtain raiser event of ‘Aero India 2021’ in Bengaluru today, the Defence Minister said that the three-day air show will pave the path for the transformation of the world’s largest democracy into the world’s most powerful defence economy.
He said that the 13th edition of the air show is being organized this year amidst the challenging circumstances created by the COVID-19 situation.
Addressing the ‘Curtain Raiser’ event for #AeroIndia2021 in Bengaluru. https://t.co/D0gdD9NGJF
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 2, 2021
Aero India-2021 will be inaugurated by Rajnath Singh tomorrow and will commence with a flying display at Yelahanka Air Force Station.
At the curtain raiser event today, Rajnath said that the flying display at the air show will feature formations showcasing India’s cutting edge technology and capabilities in the aerospace sector.
The Defence Minister further said that Aero India 2021, being hosted in Bengaluru from February 3-5, promises to be the world’s first-ever hybrid Aero and Defence exhibition with a concurrent virtual exhibition that will integrate the seminars, B2B interactions, product display, etc.
“The global business community has responded enthusiastically to Indian economy’s revivalist fervor and Aero India will further showcase the nation’s accomplishments in defence manufacturing and position India as investment, innovation and defence manufacturing hub,” Rajnath said while addressing the ‘Curtain Raiser’ event for Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru.
The Raksha Mantri said over 540 exhibitors would showcase their defence manufacturing prowess at the show.
“Hosting this event in the IT capital of India will not only help consolidate the State’s position, as one of the favoured destinations for foreign and domestic investors, but also reinforce itself as one of the gateways to defence and economic engagement with India,” he said.
Rajnath said the highlights of Aero India 2021 would be the Inauguration of India Pavilion, based on the theme – Rotary Wings, Conclave of Defence Ministers of IOR, Conclave of Chiefs of Air Staff of various countries, India–Russia Military Industrial Conference, Startup Manthan, etc.
On the occasion, the Defence Minister also lauded the state of Karnataka for its excellent ecosystem of entrepreneurial spirit and industrial infrastructure. “Karnataka is long known for its leadership in software industry,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri further said that the Indian Ocean Region Defence Ministers Conclave at the three-day event would reinforce the relevance of the region and its continued importance for stake holders, from the perspective of trade, security and freedom of navigation.
He informed that over 600 exhibitors including 80 foreign companies, would showcase their defence manufacturing prowess at exhibition.
“The Aero India 2021, will help forge enormous global engagement with Indian defence industry, in the form of partnerships and investments, paving the path for a transformation of the world’s largest democracy into the world’s most powerful defence economy,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister also hailed the Indian soldiers deployed at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for giving a befitting response to the Chinese incursions in the Indian territory.
“I have no hesitation in saying that our robust stance, immediate and calibrated response and the unrelenting spirit of the soldiers on the borders led to stabilisation of the situation and we showed our resolve to defend the sovereignty and integrity of our country,” he said.
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh also thanked Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and his entire team for hosting the event. “I would also like to thank officials from the Department of Defence Production, the Armed Forces and specially the organizing committee for their tireless efforts,” he added.
He appreciated the conducive ecosystem and climate for investors created in Karnataka through the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. He said that the award of a huge contract of Rs. 48,000 crores to HAL was because of this spirit.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that it was a moment of pride for the people of Karnataka in general and for the people of Bengaluru in particular that the city was hosting Aero India for yet another year.
He added that it was also a moment of pride for the state that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had obtained the business deal for Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas”.
The Chief Minister applauded the efforts of centre and state administration and other stakeholders in organizing the event amidst the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
-ARK
