PM inaugurates DefExpo22 in Gujarat today

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the DefExpo22 at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on October 19. At the India Pavilion, PM 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 Deesa airfield in Gujarat.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed the delegates to the event and emphasised on the relevance of DefExpo 2022. Modi said that the event is going to build a strong foundation for New India and expand its horizons.

DefExpo: Major highlights

The DefExpo witnessed participation of more than 1,300 exhibitors. Some joint ventures associated with Indian Defence Industry, MSMEs and more than 100 startups attended it. PM Modi informed that more than 400 MoUs are being signed during this event.

The second India-Africa Defence Dialogue will also take place on this occasion, the PM informed.

The 2nd Indian Ocean Region+ (IOR+) Conclave will also be held 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 Modi's vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

PM also laid the foundation stone of the Deesa airfield in Gujarat and said that the forward airforce base will add to the security architecture of the country. Now, India is better prepared to respond to any misadventure on the western borders.

Modi highlighted that the armies have finalised two lists of equipment which would be procured within the country. This list of 101 items will also be released today. In total, 411 equipment in the defence sector will only be bought under the 'Make in India.'

Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat, Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar were present during the event.

(With PIB inputs)

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