Golden Opportunity

Non-State actors are a greater risk and need greater attention, said the Minister of Defence, A.K. Antony, inaugurating the Eight Defexpo 2014, the Land, Naval & Internal Homeland Security Systems Exhibition which got underway at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Stating that global security is undergoing massive changes post the Cold War, the Defence Minister said that conflict and violence were getting accentuated, calling for defence preparedness. “Peace cannot come at the risk of our security concerns.” Territorial integrity and sovereignity are key and to ensure that the armed forces are being equipped with the most modern and sophisticated equipment.

Calling upon the private sector to make ‘meaningful and substantive contribution’ to defence production, Antony said that the pace of indigenisation had been accelerated through various initiatives. There have been constant reviews of the Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) as to develop a robust base of Indian defence industry. The emphasis would be on ‘Buy’ and ‘Buy and Make Indian’ acquisitions. The revised offset guidelines of 2012 gives a degree of flexibility to the foreign original equipment manufacturers.

This was a golden opportunity to showcase products and India had commenced on a new chapter in collaborations and partnerships. The Defexpo, he mentioned, which was among the top international defence exhibitions, is becoming a platform for Indian companies to demonstrate, design, develop and deliver a wide range of defence and civil products.

The Minister of State for Defence, Jitendra Singh, said the Technology Capability Perspectives of the armed forces gives the equipment requirements of the armed forces which is helpful for the industry to plan their strategic moves. The emphasis is on self-reliance and the government is putting in place measures to facilitate increased private sector participation to enhance the industrial base in defence. The level of participation in the Defexpo is a clear reflection of the growing strength and capability of the Indian industry.

The Secretary, Defence Production, G.C. Pati, in his welcome address stated that Defexpo 2014 had attracted 624 exhibitors, a record. There are 12 country pavilions and 178 official delegations from 43 countries. He went on to reiterate that the primary objective of Defexpo is to upgrade indigenous industry.

The President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Sidharth Birla, proposed a vote of thanks.