Government Touts Aero India as Venue for Partnerships

Asia’s biggest aerospace exposition, Aero India-2011, got off to a flying start at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, today. Defence Minister Shri AK Antony inaugurated the five-day event witnessed by a galaxy of officials, industry delegates, exhibitors and representatives from over 40 foreign countries. Aero-India 2011 showcases the latest international technology in the fields of military and civil aircraft, avionics and sub-systems, as well as radars in the defence and aerospace sector. “This event will further enhance India’s emergence as an attractive market and a key outsourcing hub for global aerospace firms,” said Antony in his inaugural address. He stated that domestic and international firms in the aerospace and civil aviation sector will derive maximum benefit from the business potential displayed at the show. “India has always been a votary of peace. Yet, violent disturbances in our immediate and extended neighbourhood pose security challenges for our nation and the region as a whole,” the Defence Minister said addressing the gathering comprising among others Ambassadors of several countries. Reiterating Indian Government’s commitment to ensure rapid modernisation of the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art systems, equipment and platforms, Defence Minister stated that the defence expenditure, currently at 2.5% of GDP, will increase over the next two decades. India’s aerospace sector has emerged as the fastest-growing one in the world. With Hindustan Aeronautics Limited having rich experience in the field, Antony said the entry of other major companies in the fray was a positive and an encouraging development. “We are open to joint ventures, public-private partnerships and licence production under transfer of technology for the all-round development of the aerospace industry,” he said. The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has said that the disturbed neighbourhood poses security challenges for the country. Delivering the inaugural address at the 8th Aero India 2011 in Bangalore today, Shri Antony said that though India is a democratic and peace-loving country, the government is resolved to meet any challenge to its security and sovereignty. Assuring that India’s defence expenditure would continue to grow in the next two decades, he said that the government would continue to encourage joint ventures for the development of the Aerospace Industry in the country. He also noted with satisfaction that the major Indian Companies other than HAL have ventured into the sector. Following is the text of the address delivered by Shri Antony on the occasion: “It is a real pleasure to be back at the 2011 edition of Aero India in the beautiful city of Bengaluru. Before proceeding further, I extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished delegates from the world over to Aero India 2011.