Asia’s biggest Aero show 'Aero India' begins today at Bengaluru

New Delhi, Feb 3: To showcase the prowess of Aviation Industry, Asia's biggest Aero show - Aero India 2021 - will begin today at Bengaluru. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the three-day mega-event that is taking place for the first time in a hybrid mode due to COVID-19 pandemic. This is the 25th year of Aero India and the 13th edition of the event. President Ram Nath Kovind will also attend the event on February 5.

 

 

The three-day mega event will be inspired by the PM Narendra Modi's call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It will include the flying display that will feature formations showcasing India’s cutting edge technology and capabilities in the aerospace sector. Singh enumerated the highlights of Aero India 2021 including inauguration of India pavilion – based on the theme of Rotary wings, Conclave of Defence Ministers of Indian Ocean Region, Conclave of Chiefs of Air Staff of various countries, India – Russia Military Industrial Conference, Startup Manthan etc.

 

More than 200 MoU partnership agreements are expected to be signed at the Bandhan event on 5th February. Singh said that the IOR Defence Ministers’ Conclave would reinforce the relevance of the region and its continued importance for stakeholders from the perspective of trade, security and freedom of navigation. He said the event would provide an opportunity to share perspectives on common values and interests in the region. Chiefs of Air staff conclave will bring senior air force officers from across the world on a single platform enhancing cooperation and understanding of common threats and challenges.

 

Singh also spoke about the distinguishing takeaways of Aero India 2021. "Technological base and presence of industry leaders associated with Aviation cement the bonds between Bengaluru and Aero India 2021. Set against the backdrop of Bengaluru, the event would offer opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between Indian and global industry leaders, academicians, visionaries, centre and state administrations," he said.

Further, he added, "It would also bring together the defence ministers of various countries, service chiefs, policymakers, foreign OEMs, industry, entrepreneurs and academia to showcase, connect and collaborate as well as highlight policy reforms driving India’s new defence manufacturing revolution."

Singh said that since 2014, the government has brought in policy reforms to push indigenous defence manufacturing with an enthusiastic response from the global business community. He further said that the world has now started to recognize India as a trusted defence investment destination. He added that hosting the event in Bengaluru, the IT capital of India, will consolidate not only the Karnataka’s position as a favoured investment destination, but also establish the state as the gateway for defence and economic engagement. Raksha Mantri said that Aero India will give further momentum to the Prime Minister’s clarion call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at promoting indigenization.

Over 540 exhibitors would showcase their defence manufacturing prowess. The event would help forge paths for engagement with global defence industry for India. He added that the decision to hold Aero India during this time was not easy due to the twin challenges of COVID-19 and the security challenge thrust on India on the Northern border. He highlighted that India’s calibrated response and the bravery of the soldiers on the border led to sterilization of the situation on the Northern border and the nation showed its resolve to defend its sovereignty and integrity.

Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who was present, 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.

Dr. Ashwathnarayan C.N., Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Jagdish Shettar, Industry Minister of Karnataka, Raj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, DRDO, Kapil Mohan, Chief Secretary, Karnataka and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, Government of Karnataka, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and several industry associations were also present at the event.