Defence exports from India saw an eight-fold increase in the past two years, compared to 2014 when his government first came to power, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. "In 2014, the export of defence of India was about Rs 2000 crore. In the last 2 years, India has exported defence worth Rs 17,000 crore. In the next 5 years, we're targeting to take the number to Rs 35,000 crore," Modi said, inaugurating the DefExpo, India's biennial military exhibition that seeks to showcase the potential of the country to become a global defence manufacturing hub, in Lucknow.
India is increasingly looking at tapping into the defence sector to boost investment and exports. The government has already undertaken measures to ensure this, Modi further stated. "Licensing regime have been liberalised to promote domestic defence industry. Lack of proper policy initiative in last several decades made India biggest importer of defence platforms. Till 2014, only 217 defence licenses were issued. In the last 5 years, this number has grown to 460. We're building several defence pieces of equipment like artillery guns, aircraft carriers, submarines, light-combat aircrafts, and combat helicopters in India today," Modi said.
He said that misuse of technology, terrorism and cyber threat are the major challenges the world faces today. "The defence forces (across the world) are eyeing new technology considering new threats; India is not behind. A roadmap finalised to use application of Artificial Intelligence in defence sector," the prime minister added.
He said that the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff and the Department of Military Affairs will boost overall defence production. "We are going to enhance our presence in outer space in coming years. The DRDO putting up effective protection to our assets in outer space created by ISRO. It's our responsibility to ensure security of not only India but countries in neighbourhood as well. Our defence preparedness not aimed at any country as India a reliable contributor to world peace," Modi noted at the DefExpo.
He also urged foreign defence manufacturers to come and invest in India. "Our mantra is Make in India, for India, for world," he pitched.
Delegates from 70 countries and 172 foreign military manufacturers will attend the five-day mega exhibition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said. As many as 856 Indian defence firms will also showcase their products at the event.
The 11th edition of DefExpo promises to bring new technologies and solutions on a single platform for defence manufacturing firms from India and abroad.
The main theme of the Expo is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus will be on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'.
Reflecting on the government's focus on 'Make in India', the DefExpo 2020 would offer an opportunity for the Indian defence industry to showcase its capabilities and promote its export potential.
Ministers from over 40 countries will take part in this edition of DefExpo, making it an important opportunity for countries to further strengthen defence ties with India, Singh has said.
The fifth India-Russia Military Industry Conference will also be held on the sidelines of the DefExpo with over 100 Russian and over 200 Indian industry leaders expected to participate.
(With PTI inputs)
