Bengaluru, Feb 10 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday urged the global defence community to move beyond transactional buyer-seller relationships and embrace deeper industrial collaborations in research, development, and production.
"Often, we interact as buyers and sellers, where our relationships remain at a transactional level. However, we must elevate our partnerships beyond mere buyer-seller engagements to the level of industrial collaboration. We should focus on research and development as well as production collaborations. We already have many successful examples of co-production and co-development with like-minded nations," he said.
Addressing the inaugural session of Aero India 2025, the minister underscored India's commitment to becoming a global hub for defence manufacturing and technological advancement.
Rajnath highlighted the event’s theme, "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities", as a reflection of India's vast potential in the aerospace and defence sectors. He welcomed international delegations, stressing that India's defence industrial sector is now among the top five globally, playing a pivotal role in economic growth.
"Security, stability, and peace are shared constructs that transcend national borders," he stated, reiterating India's vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' He called for increased co-production and co-development initiatives with friendly nations, citing existing successful collaborations as models for the future.
The biennial Aero India exhibition, which brings together government officials, defence industry leaders, startups, and Air Force officers from across the world, serves as a major platform to showcase India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Rajnath noted that the event not only demonstrates India’s industrial capabilities but also strengthens strategic partnerships globally.
With a strong push for indigenous defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India is looking to expand its global footprint in the defence sector. As Aero India 2025 unfolds, all eyes are on new deals and collaborations that could shape the future of India's defence industry.
Rajnath likened Aero India 2025 to the Maha Kumbh Mela, stating that the biennial aerospace and defence exhibition reflects the strength and resilience of Indian soil in a world marked by uncertainties.
Rajnath said, "Aero India is not just an exhibition but a testament to India's growing prowess in defence and aerospace. Just as the Maha Kumbh Mela brings together millions in spiritual unity, this event unites global defence and aerospace stakeholders on Indian soil."
The 15th edition of the premier air show, featuring leading global defence firms, aerospace companies, and military delegations, is expected to witness major announcements and partnerships aimed at bolstering India’s self-reliance in the sector.
The event comes at a time when India is accelerating indigenous defence production under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with a focus on enhancing exports and reducing dependency on imports.
Rajnath reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the armed forces with advanced indigenous technology and fostering strategic collaborations with global partners.
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