Aero India to Promote Scientific Mindset: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) As the 15th edition of Aero India approaches, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized on Sunday that this event will propel the government's vision for a robust and self-sufficient India, while also inspiring our youth and nurturing a scientific temperament and a spirit of innovation.

During a press conference held in Bengaluru, Rajnath Singh stated: “Aero India serves as a platform that highlights the strength, resilience, and self-reliance of New India. This event is not only vital for India’s defence readiness, but it also plays a key role in shaping our nation's future. It will showcase our defence capabilities and foster global partnerships.”

He further noted that since the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, the newly established companies have been excelling in defence production.

“With a well-thought-out and well-structured plan, we have been actively empowering the private sector in the defence and aerospace sectors. Today, India boasts a flourishing private defence industry that has firmly established itself and is making notable contributions to our national security,” he remarked.

The Defence Minister expressed optimism that defence production, which has surpassed the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore, will exceed Rs 1.60 lakh crore by the conclusion of 2025-26.

He also mentioned that defence exports, which reached a record Rs 21,000 crore, are expected to exceed Rs 30,000 crore.

He highlighted the essential role of the defence industrial sector in transforming India into an economic superpower.

Under the overarching theme of ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities’, this five-day event will showcase India’s aerial capabilities and indigenous cutting-edge innovations, alongside the latest offerings from global aerospace firms.

In alignment with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiatives, the event will serve as a platform to build international collaborations aimed at accelerating the indigenisation process, thereby enhancing the Modi government’s commitment to establishing a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The initial three days of Aero India 2025 (February 10, 11, and 12) will be designated as business days, while February 13 and 14 are allocated as public days, allowing people to experience the event.

This event will facilitate partnerships between foreign and Indian companies and explore new opportunities within the global value chain to expedite the indigenisation process.