Focusing on 'Modi's Make in India' agenda, over 1000 companies foreign and local will take part in Defence Expo 2016 which is all set to start in a few hours.
The ninth edition of the Biennial Defence Expo India will be held from March 28-31 at the Naqueri Quitol in South Goa's Panjim which will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Key Points you need to know about India's Defence Expo 2016:
1000 Companies to Participate:
510 indian firms are to take part in the Defence Expo which will be attended by 1,000 companies of which 490 are foreign companies. The number of Indian companies participating in the Defence Expo has risen two fold compared to 256 in 2014. Foreign companies participating in the Expo sum up to 490, an increase of over a hundred cos when compared to 368 from the previous one.
All 47 countries are to part take in India's 9th Defence Expo marking a commendable increase when compared to Defence Expo 2014 where only 30 countries participated.
Make in India:
A considerable thrust is being given to the Defence Sector's indigenisation. The Expo also eyes to project India as an attractive defence investment destination.
India has been discussing Joint Venture possiblities with global partners for localy manufacturing defence machinery through sharing of technology. A Defence ministry release calimed that India is among a handful of countries that are indigenisation capable across the world in the defence field such as multi-level strategic deterrence, ballistic missile defence, nuclear powered submarines, main battle tank, stealth destroyers, aircraft carriers and 4th generation fighter aircraft. "The event also provides an excellent opportunity to the Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private sector and other defence-related industries to demonstrate their capability to design, develop and deliver a wide range of military and civil products/services," a statement released by the Defence Ministry said.
Largest in History:
The Defence Ministry said, the expo will be the largest one in its history and will be held outsite Delhi for the first time.
"The exhibition would be showcasing India's capabilities in Land, Naval and Security Systems as well as its emergence as an attractive destination for investment in Defence sector. This year's exhibition will be the largest DefExpo held to date," a release from the defence ministry said.
Legal Trouble:
Locals oppose the land acquired for industrial estate, temporarily alloted to the ministry to conduct the Defence Expo, as they were not taken into confidence. Petitions have also been filed against the conduct of the event at the current venue in the Bombay HC.
However the High Court which will be hearing the issue on Monday refused to stay the event.