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PM inaugurates DefExpo22 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
The DefExpo22 was inaugurated at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19 October, 2022. At the India Pavilion, the Prime Minister unveiled HTT-40 – the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. During the programme, the Prime Minister also launched Mission DefSpace and laid the foundation stone of a new strategic air base in Deesa airfield in Gujarat.
Remarking on the organisation of the DefExpo2- 2022, the Prime Minister said it paints a picture of ‘New India’ and its capabilities whose resolve is being forged at the time of Amrit Kaal. He further added that it is an amalgamation of the country’s development as well as states’ cooperation. “It has the power and dreams of the youth, it has the resolve and capabilities of the youth. It has hopes for the world and opportunities for friendly nations,” he said.
Underlining the uniqueness of this edition of Defexpo, the Prime Minister said “this is the first defence expo where only Indian companies are participating and it features only Made in India equipment.” He announced, “From the land of Iron Man, Sardar Patel we are setting an example of the capabilities of India before the world. The Expo has more than 1300 exhibitors which include the India Defence Industry, some joint ventures associated with Indian Defence Industry, MSMEs and more than 100 startups. The Prime Minister remarked that it provides a glimpse of the capability and possibility of India in one single frame. He further informed that more than 400 MoUs are being signed for the first time ever.
53 countries from Africa walking with us
Noting the positive response from various countries, the Prime Minister expressed happiness that when India is giving shape to its dreams, 53 friendly countries from Africa are walking with us. He said the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue also took place on this occasion. The Prime Minister informed. “This relationship between India and Africa is based on time-tested trust that is further deepening and touching new dimensions with the passing of time”.
Dwelling upon the old ties between Africa and Gujarat, Shri Modi recalled that the first railway lines in Africa had the participation of people from Kutch. Many words used in daily life in Africa have their origin in the Gujarati community in Africa. “Even for a global leader like Mahatma Gandhi, if Gujarat was his birthplace, then Africa was his first ‘Karmbhoomi’. This affinity for Africa is still central to India’s foreign policy.
2nd Indian Ocean Region+ (IOR+) Conclave
The 2nd Indian Ocean Region+ (IOR+) Conclave was also organised 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).
Highlights
- Unveils HTT-40 indigenous trainer aircraft designed by HAL.
- Relationship between India and Africa is deepening and touching new dimensions.
- Space technology is shaping new definitions of India’s generous space diplomacy.
In defence sector, ‘New India’ is moving ahead with the mantra of “Intent, Innovation and Implementation”. - We have set a target to reach 5 billion dollars i.e. 40 thousand crore rupees of defence exports in coming times”