Highlighting the country's huge strides in the defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian defence products export increased eight times since 2014.
With an aim to give impetus to the defence sector, India's "biggest ever" defence exhibition - DefExpo 2022 is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This is the 12th edition of the event that has been organised on the theme 'Path to Pride'.
Speaking at the occasion, PM Modi said, "DefExpo is displaying a grand picture of the New India. It has the nation's development, states' participation, youth power, young dreams, young courage and youth's capabilities. Defence Expo used to be held in our country earlier too but DefExpo2022 is unprecedented. It is the symbol of a new beginning."
He said it is the first such Defence Expo in the country where only Indian companies are participating and where there are only Made in India defence equipment.
"In the defence sector, new India is moving ahead with the mantra of intent, innovation and implementation. Indian defence companies today are becoming a significant part of the global supply chain. Indian defence products export increased eight folds in the last eight years."
He said, "The biggest Defence Expo of the country so far has marked an emphatic beginning of a new future. I know that this has also caused inconvenience to some countries but several countries, with a positive mindset, have come with us. I am delighted that when India is giving shape to these opportunities of the future, 53 African nations that are friends of India are standing shoulder to shoulder with us," he added.
Prime Minister stressed the importance of maritime security to boost global trade.
At the India Pavilion, Prime Minister unveiled HTT-40 - the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
At the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of 52 Wing Air Force Station Deesa.
This year's DefExpo is the first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies.
(ANI)