Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that New India is moving ahead with the mantra of Intent, Innovation and Implementation in the defence sector. Inaugurating the DefExpo22 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat, today, Mr Modi said, till 8 years ago, India was recognized 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.
He said, India’s defence exports have grown eight times in the last five years. The Prime Minister said, India is exporting defence materials and equipment to more than 75 countries of the world. He said, in 2021-22 Defence exports from India reached 1.59 billion dollars. Mr Modi said, in the coming time, India has set a target to reach 5 billion dollars.
At the India Pavilion, the Prime Minister unveiled HTT-40 – the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. During the event, he also launched Mission DefSpace and laid the foundation stone of Deesa airfield in Gujarat.
Mr Modi said, DefExpo 2022 paints a picture of New India and its capabilities whose resolve is being forged at the time of Amrit Kaal. He said, it is an amalgamation of the country’s development as well as states’ cooperation. The Prime Minister said, DefExpo 2022 has the power and dreams of the youth and it has the resolve and capabilities of the youth. He said, it has hopes for the world and opportunities for friendly nations.
Underlining the uniqueness of this edition of Defexpo, Mr Modi said, this is the first defence expo where only Indian companies are participating and it features only Made in India equipment. He said, from the land of Iron Man, Sardar Patel we are setting an example of the capabilities of India before the world. The Prime Minister said, it provides a glimpse of the capability and possibility of India in one single frame. He said, that more than 400 MoUs are being signed for the first time ever.
Mr Modi expressed happiness that when India is giving shape to its dreams, 53 friendly countries from Africa are walking with it. He said, the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue will also take place on this occasion. The Prime Minister said, the relationship between India and Africa is based on time-tested trust that is further deepening and touching new dimensions with the passing of time.
The 2nd Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Conclave will also be held during the Expo, which will provide a stage for a comprehensive dialogue to promote defence cooperation amongst IOR 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. Mr Modi said, today, from international security to global trade, maritime security has emerged as a global priority. He said, the world’s expectations from India have increased. He assured the world community that India will fulfil them. He said, this Defense Expo is also a symbol of global trust towards India.
Mr Modi said, Space technology is an example of what security will mean for any strong nation in the future. He said, Mission Defence Space will not only encourage innovation and strengthen Indian Armed forces but also provide new and innovative solutions. The Prime Minister highlighted that space technology is shaping new definitions of India’s generous space diplomacy, giving rise to new possibilities.
Throwing light on making India’s defence sector self-reliant, the Prime Minister said that two lists of equipment have been finalized which would be procured only within the country. He said, this list of 101 such items is being released today. Mr Modi said, these decisions show the potential of a self-reliant India. After the list, there will be 411 such equipment and equipment of the defence sector, which will only be bought under the Make in India.
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