Aero India 2021 will give boost to India's defence manufacturing revolution: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India will soon be most powerful defence ecomy in world. Rajnath Singh thanked PM Narendra Modi for his vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat at curtain raiser event of Aero India 2021 at Bengaluru. He also thanked Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa for his presence which he said is significant in many ways adding that it shows his personal involvement with event.

Rajnath Singh said, "This is beginning of a new journey. association of Bengaluru has proved to be most appropriate. Aero India 21 will lead to India's defence manufacturing revolution. India is getting great response globally and is being trusted for defence investments."

Defence Minister also added that Aero show 2021 starting February 3 will also show Gateways to defence and ecomic engment in India. defence minister said that Aero India will give a boost to clarion call of Atmanirbhar Bharat as more than 200 MoUs are to be signed in Bandhan event during Aero India.

Rajnath Singh said  relentless efforts of our soldiers at borders helped us to be strong and safeguard sovereignty of our country despite challenges. "I have hesitation in saying that our robust stance, immediate and calibrated response and unrelenting spirit of soldiers on borders led to stabilisation of situation and we showed our resolve to defend sovereignty and integrity of our country," he added.

Secretary of Defence Production Raj Kumar, DRDO Secretary G. Saesh Reddy were also present at curtain raiser event along with Yediyurappa.

READ | Rajnath Singh Inaugurates LCA Plant, Says India Cant Depend On Or Nations For Defence

READ | Defence Budget Hiked To Rs 4.78 Lakh Crore; Gets Biggest Capital Outlay Increase In 15 Yrs

Karnataka chief minister said it's a privilege for Bengaluru to get selected for ar edition of Aero India while adding that despite challenges of pandemic, state administration was confident of holding this mega event. He called LCA Tejas business deal of Air Force 'a matter of pride'.

Karnataka CM also said Karnataka is a prime location of biggest Aero and defence show. major highlight of show is signing of Tejas contract. Yediyurappa said Tejas is going to be backbone of IAF and its production will generate over 5,000 primary and 25,000 secondary jobs for Karnataka.

Aero India 21 will witness IOR Defence Ministers' Conclave and Chief of Airstaffs' conclave for first time. Before curtain-raiser event, Rajnath Singh inaugurated second line for production of LCA Tejas at HAL. It will be First Hybrid show that means it can also be attended virtually as well due to Covid-19 pandemic. event will be open for business domain while ors can witness it virtually. Only 3,000 persons per show will be allowed and booking will be online. Covid-19 protocols are strictly being followed at Aero India 21 as it happens to be first post-pandemic international event. total number of exhibitors has increased to 600 from 403 in 2019. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this time Aero India has 78 foreign exhibitors as compared to 165 foreign exhibitors in 2019.

Defence Minister will inaugurate Aero India 21 on February 3 and order ceremony for LCA Tejas will take place right after inauguration. re will be a number of events and displays during three days of Aero India 21. On February 4 first-ever Defence Ministers' Conclave will take place with participation of 27 Defence Ministers, physically and virtually. Chief of Air Staff's conclave will also be held on February 4. Startup Manthan will be held on February 5 to facilitate all startups and MSMEs in aero and defence sector. A number of seminars will also be held related to defence sector. President will be virtually present for valedictory function of Aero India 21 on February 5.

(Im credit: Rajnath Singh Twitter @rajnathsingh)

READ | PM Modi, Defence Minister Laud Indian Coast Guard On 45th Foundation Day

READ | Aero India To Witness Big Boost To Atmanirbhar Bharat, Largest Defence Order To Be Signed