PM Modi Inaugurates The 12th Edition Of DefExpo In Gandhinagar

This is the first defence expo where only Indian companies are participating and it features only Made in India equipment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday at the inauguration of DefExpo22 in Gandhinagar. 

PM said that the Expo has more than 1300 exhibitors including MSMEs and more than 100 startups which provides a glimpse of the capability and possibility of India in one single frame. More than 400 MoUs are being signed for the first time ever. 

He also said that space technology will define security for any strong nation in the future. Various challenges in this area have been reviewed and identified by the three services and we have to work fast to solve them under “Mission Defence Space.”

"There are more than 60 developing countries with whom India is sharing its space science and by next year, 10 ASEAN countries will also get real-time access to India's satellite data. Even developed countries like Europe and America are using our satellite data," he added.

According to him, India’s defence exports have grown 8 times in the last 5 years and now India is exporting defence materials and equipment to more than 75 countries in the world.

Speaking on investment opportunities in the defence sector, he said that India is building two defence corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu and many big companies of the world are coming to invest in India and highlighted the role of MSMEs in the sector and big companies will be supported by our MSMEs while creating a large network of supply chains behind this investment.

In the defence sector, he said, new India is moving ahead with the mantra of Intent, Innovation and Implementation. Till 8 years ago, India was recognised as the world's largest defence importer. But New India showed intent, showed willpower and 'Make in India’ is becoming a success story in the defence sector today. 

The Prime Minister who also laid the foundation stone of the Deesa airfield in Gujarat said that the forward airforce base will add to the security architecture of the country. Noting Deesa’s proximity to the border.

On the sideline of DefExpo, the India-Africa Defence Dialogue also took place in which 53 African countries participated.

In the latest development, after adding 101 items to the import ban list, there will be 411 such equipment and systems of the defence sector, which will only be bought under the Make in India.

Later, the Prime Minister unveiled HTT-40 - the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and launched Mission Defence Space and laid the foundation stone of Deesa airfield in Gujarat.

The 2nd Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR plus) Conclave will also be held during the Expo, which will provide a stage for a comprehensive dialogue to promote defence cooperation amongst IOR plus nations to foster peace, growth, stability and prosperity, in line with the Prime Minister's vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).