New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 14th edition of Asia’s biggest aero show, Aero India 2023, in Bengaluru on Monday.
The five-day event will showcase the country’s indigenous equipment and technologies, and will also see the participation of over 75 countries and 700 exhibitors.
The Prime Minister said the sky of Bengaluru was today a witness to the capability of New India. “Bengaluru’s sky is testimony that this new height is the truth of New India. The nation is touching new heights and even crossing it,” Modi said.
He added, “There was a time when Aero India was considered just a show. In the last few years, the nation has changed this perception. Today, it’s not just a show but also India’s strength. It focuses on the scope of India’s defence industry and self-confidence.”
Modi also said the “presence of nearly 100 nations here shows that the world’s trust in India has increased. More than 700 exhibitors from India and the world are participating. This has broken all past records”.
Underscoring the change in India – from the “biggest defence importer for decades to a country that exports defence equipment to 75 nations” – Modi said the government was bringing reforms in every sector. “New India of the 21st Century will neither lose any opportunity nor lag behind in hard work. We are ready,” he concluded.
Modi said India would soon move towards becoming one of the leading defence exporters globally, and singled out the light-multirole fighter “Tejas” as “proof of India’s potential.”
Modi also released a commemorative stamp for the occasion.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at the event, “In the global sky, India has emerged as a star, which is not only shining but also illuminating others with its glow.”
“Aero India showcases aerospace that has 2 important characteristics — height and speed. These two qualities define the working and personality of the Prime Minister — height of integrity and commitment for India, speed of decision making and delivering results,” Singh added.
Earlier, as part of the event’s inauguration spectacle, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhuri led a “Gurukul” formation flypast.
The theme of the largely-military event is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”.
The centre of attraction in the fair will be the “India Pavilion”, which is themed — “Wings of the Future”. This pavilion will flaunt the potential opportunities and possibilities in the country’s defence sector.
The programme “CEOs Round Table” is also a big draw at the event. It will provide an opportunity to explore the strength and capabilities of the defence industry in association with the world’s top business leaders.
Also read: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says efforts are on to fully indigenise Tejas aircraft soon