NEW DELHI, Feb 13: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated Asia’s largest aero show, “Aero India 2023,” in Bengaluru. The 14th edition of the event will display indigenous equipment and technologies to forge partnerships with foreign companies.
The five-day event on the theme ‘The runway to a billion opportunities’, will showcase India’s growth in aerospace and defence capabilities.
Inaugurating the event, Modi said Aero India reflected India’s new strength and aspirations. He referred to the made-in-India Tejas aircraft and INS Vikrant and said these were the examples of India’s potential.
“India’s successes are giving proof of its possibilities and capability, he said and added, “Tejas aircraft roaring in the sky is the proof of the success of ‘Make in India’. The new India of the 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor leave any stone unturned in its hard work. We are gearing up,” Modi said.
The first day of Aero India 2023 featured aerobatics along with a large exhibition and trade fair. Nearly 809 companies from 98 countries are taking part in the event.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of Aero India taking place in Karnataka which is the hub of India’s technological advancement. The government, under its “Make in India” policy, has been insisting that manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing, and Airbus share technology or make more than parts in the country.
United States Charge d’Affaires Ambassador to India Elizabeth Jones is leading the largest-ever US delegation to the biennial air show. US will unveil its fifth-generation fighters, the stealthy and supersonic F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. More than 250 agreements with expected investments of ₹ 75,000 crore are likely to be signed between various Indian and foreign defence companies. Air India is expected to announce a potentially record deal to buy nearly 500 jets from Airbus SE and Boeing Co, worth more than $100 billion at list prices.
(Manas Dasgupta)
