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DefExpo 2022 propels ‘Aatmanirbharta’, says Defence Ministry

It also added that it has signalled the growth of India’s defence industry as a “sunrise sector” for international investment, in keeping with the expo’s theme of “Path to Pride.”…reports Asian Lite News

The signing of 451 Memorandums of Understanding, Transfer of Technology Agreements, product launches, and orders to domestic businesses totaling Rs 1.5 lakh crore during DefExpo 2022 demonstrated India’s advancement toward achieving “Aatmanirbharta” in the field of defence.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, it also demonstrated the integration of the needs of the armed forces, R&D, and defence production by both public and private players.

It also added that it has signalled the growth of India’s defence industry as a “sunrise sector” for international investment, in keeping with the expo’s theme of “Path to Pride.”

Additionally, it stated that the event, which took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, over the course of five days beginning on October 18 saw unprecedented participation from over 1,340 exhibitors, companies, investors, start-ups, MSMEs, Armed Forces, and delegates from various nations, with engagements spread out over four venues.

The tremendous reaction from corporations and investors demonstrated that the goal of a USD 22 billion defense sector with exports of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 will be accomplished, the statement said.

It added that the greatest minds in the defence industry gathered for more than 20 seminars over three working days to discuss a variety of subjects, including defence research and development, new air warfare technologies, indigenization of defence manufacturing, promoting exports, and attracting investments.

The statement further noted that an investor outreach event called “Invest for Defense” was organised for the first time, bringing together companies and investors.

It also stated that the Prime Minister made several announcements, including the 4th Positive Indigenization List, the inauguration of Air Force Station Deesha, which is only 130 kilometres from our western border, the unveiling of the HTT-40 trainer aircraft developed by HAL, the launch of Mission DefSpace, and the opening of the India and Gujarat Pavilions.

The statement also mentioned the numerous bilateral and multilateral engagements that were held in conjunction with DefExpo 2022, highlighting the India-Africa Defence Dialogue, the Indian Ocean Region, the Defence Ministers’ Conclave that was hosted by the Defence Minister Rajanth Singh, as well as his bilateral meetings with friendly nations.

It also said that the Armed Forces, DRDO, and DPSUs held live demonstrations on the banks of the Sabarmati River, captivating the Gujarati people in person as well as millions of viewers via digital media. It also added that on October 19, Gandhinagar was delighted by the largest-ever drone display, with 1,600 drones, as thousands of people marvelled at India’s technical advancement, which was made possible by local start-ups.

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India-Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside DefExpo

Institutionalisation of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue will help building on the existing partnerships between African countries & India…reports Asian Lite News.

In a move that will institutionalise the process, the India-Africa Defence Dialogue will be organised alongside every DefExpo and will thus be held once every two years.

The first-ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow last year.

Institutionalisation of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue will help building on the existing partnerships between African countries & India.

It will also help explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement including areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism, the Ministry of Defence said on Monday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host the Defence Ministers of African Nations in the next India–Africa Defence Dialogue on the sidelines of the DefExpo that is scheduled to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat in March 2022.

The broad theme of this India Africa Defence Dialgue will be ‘India – Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.

According to the defence ministry, the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses shall be the knowledge partner of India Africa Defence Dialogue. The organisation will assist in providing necessary support for enhanced defence cooperation between India and Africa.

The first-ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave (IADMC) was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in conjunction with DefExpo on February 6, 2020.

Co-organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs, this was the first in the series of Pan Africa events at the Ministerial level in the run-up to India Africa Forum Summit IV.

A Joint Declaration, the ‘Lucknow Declaration’, was adopted after the conclusion of IADMC 2020 as an outcome document of the Conclave.

India and Africa share a close and historical relationship.

The defence ministry pointed out that the foundation of India–Africa defence relations are based on the two guiding principles namely ‘SAGAR’ – Security and Growth for All in the Region’ – and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World is One Family.

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