Bengaluru, Feb 13 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday inaugurated Asia's biggest Aero India show 2023 at the Yelahanka Airbase in Bengaluru, and said the country will not let go of any opportunity nor spare any effort to become a leading defence sector player.
Addressing the gathering of defence ministers, Chief Of Defence Staffs and dignitaries from various countries, PM Modi said that 21st Century India will not let go of any opportunity to become the leading defence sector player.
PM Modi also stated that by 2024-25, the Indian defence exports are going to be five billion dollars. He explained that from being an importer of defence products, India is exporting six times more. In 2021-22 the exports have crossed 1.5 billion dollars.
"This is being done in spite of the notion that the defence market and business are complicated," he said.
"For Amrit Kaal Bharat, there is no fear to achieve the highest glory. This India will take decisions immediately. However, the speed might be, always India will be connected to its roots," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also claimed that India from being a market is now ready to play the role of a defence partner for various countries. "For the global defence manufacturing industry, India is not only a market, it is a potential defence partner.
"The country can offer cost effective, credible, best innovations, and honest intent is also present. There is 'niyat' (true loyalty and honest intentions) in policies which are exceptional. There is a government which is decisive and well aware of the ground situation," PM Modi said.
"The system is supportive and investors can take advantage. He described that the skies of Bengaluru are giving an example of a dependable India, they are a witness to new heights that India has scaled. Aero India 2023 shows the growing capability of the country," he said.
"The delegates from over 100 countries are participating in the event, which shows the trust of the whole world towards India. This event has broken all past records. India's MSMEs, startups as well as reputed global companies are taking part in the event," PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister viewed a majestic display of the Indian Air Force at Aero India Show 2023. He also released commemorative stamp of the event.
Karnataka to add to strength & might of defence, says CM Bommai
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Monday said the state will contribute immensely towards India becoming a global power.
"I assure that the performance of Karnataka in defence and aerospace will continue to add to the strength and might of our defence," he said.
Participating in the inaugural function of Aero India Show 2023 at Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru, CM Bommai said that the state is indebted to PM Modi and defence ministry for allowing Karnataka to host 14th Aero India Show.
"This edition is a very special edition. In terms of size, in terms of performance and in terms of exhibits. One of the largest air shows internationally, and India has once again proved its capability in the defence sector by conducting this marvellous air show," CM Bommai said.
"During Covid times when the Paris Airshow was closed we performed in 2021 in the very same venue. This time, we are repeating it with a special number of exhibits, number of delegates and number of displays. Therefore, we are proud of our Aero India show, capabilities of the defence ministry which will be exhibited for another four days here," he explained.
"As far as Karnataka is concerned, right from 1940, when HAL was founded and started working, in 1950 BHEL, DRDO started working, in 1960's ISRO started working. In 1970 the first satellite Aryabhatta was assembled in Bengaluru.
"Now, we are one of the leading states in aerospace and defence. 65 per cent of our capabilities in the country are from Bengaluru," he said.
While giving assurances to PM Modi, Bommai said "Sir, we just promise you, going by your hard work and your ambition to make India the greatest global world power, Karnataka will certainly be one of the greatest contributors in terms of economy, social order as well as in defence.
"We have got a new defence and aerospace policy which is very ambitious. In the next five years, we are going to lay out a policy where more than 45,000 youngsters will be involved in building the defence and aerospace industry in Bengaluru and other places and once again I thank our PM who dreams of greater India, he is leading the country by example and leads from the front."