Bengaluru. Synergised efforts of the Government of India and Karnataka State Government would make the Aero India 2021 a successful international event and it will serve the purpose for which it is intended, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
“I am confident that our synergised efforts would make the Aero India 2021 a successful international event and it will serve the purpose for which it is intended,” the Defence Minister said while addressing media persons at a curtain raiser conference, in the run up to Aero India 2021, in Bengaluru on February 2.
He said: “It gives me great pleasure to be present among friends, who are going to be with us, during this unique edition of Aero India. Your esteemed presence means a lot, and clearly signifies the resolve of people of India to make Aero-India 2021 a resounding success.”
On this occasion, the Defence Minister also mentioned about the efforts besides other stakeholders taken by the state government in general and Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in particular in organising the Asia’s largest biennial defence and aerospace event despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic.
The state of Karnataka with its excellent ecosystem of entrepreneurial spirit and industrial infrastructure needs a special mention as Karnataka is long known for its leadership in software industry.
Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ gives much needed impetus to defence production, and the export of defence equipment and platform to friendly foreign countries.
“The association of Aero India airshow with Karnataka has been built over the years. And experience tells us that it has proved to be most appropriate. The State has some of the finest institutions that are associated with the aviation industry,” the Defence Minister said.
Set against the vibrant defence and aerospace backdrop of Bengaluru, Aero India would offer unprecedented access, insights and opportunities to connect and collaborate with India and global industry leaders, visionaries, academicians, central and State administrations.
“We all are aware that the world is passing through one of the worst pandemics caused by COVID-19 which has compelled several countries including India to impose unavoidable restrictions and due to preventive measures and social distancing norms in place, this edition of Aero India will be a purely business event,” the Minister observed.
There will be no Public days. However, limited access will be provided to the Public to the airshow based on online bookings.
Aero India – 2021 promises to be World’s First Ever Hybrid Aero and Defence exhibition with a concurrent virtual exhibition, which will integrate the seminars, B2B interactions, product display etc.
Speaking on global participation, he said the global business community has responded enthusiastically to Indian economy’s revivalist fervour and Aero India will further showcase the nation’s accomplishments in defence manufacturing and position India as investment, innovation and defence manufacturing hub.
Hosting this event in the IT capital of India will not only help consolidate the State’s position, as one of the favoured destinations for foreign and domestic investors, but also reinforce itself as one of the gateways to defence and economic engagement with India, the Defence Minister noted.
The highlights of this year’s Aero India would be the inauguration of India Pavilion, based on the theme – Rotary Wings, Conclave of Defence Ministers of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Conclave of Chiefs of Air Staff of various countries, India–Russia Military Industrial Conference, Startup Manthan etc
The Indian Ocean Region 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.
Defence Minister Singh informed that over 600 exhibitors including 80 foreign companies, will be showcasing their defence manufacturing prowess at Aero India 2021 exhibition.
The Aero India 2021 will help forge enormous global engagement with Indian defence industry in the form of partnerships and investments paving the path for a transformation of the world’s largest democracy into the world’s most powerful defence economy.
Aero India 2021 is an inspiring story that unfolds in a few hours. This year unlike many in the past will witness the new initiatives of new India that have begun to change potential into reality, Singh added.
On this occasion he also thanked BS Yediyurappa and his entire team from Karnataka for hosting this event. “I would also like to thank officials from the Department of Defence Production, the Armed Forces and specially the organizing committee for their tireless efforts,” he said.
