Aero India Maha Kumbh of research and technology: Rajnath

At Aero India, New Delhi is striking a balance by engaging across both ends of the technology spectrum. It has partnerships with the US, Russia and France for cutting-edge technology while also offering an increasing range of Indian-made military equipment to Global South nations.

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Speaking at the opening of Aero India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a ‘Maha Kumbh’ of technology and research.

The audience included military chiefs and delegations from more than three dozen countries, mostly from the Global South, including Southeast Asia and Africa. Last fiscal year, India exported military equipment worth Rs 21,600 crore, including guns, ammunition, specialised vehicles and small ships.

On the other end of the spectrum, global defence giants such as Lockheed Martin, General Atomics and Boeing from the US; Dassault, Thales and the Naval Group from France; as well as Russian firms and Airbus from Europe, have a significant presence. All have major stakes in India’s ‘Make in India’ programme, contributing to projects related to fighter jets, jet engines, submarines, drones and helicopters.

Singh emphasised that Aero India would strengthen ties among like-minded nations to address modern security challenges, stating, “Indian security or Indian peace cannot exist in isolation. Security, stability and peace are shared constructs that transcend national borders.”

He described Aero India as a “confluence of critical and frontier technologies”, reinforcing India’s industrial capabilities and technological advancements while fostering deeper relations with friendly nations.

Addressing foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Singh stressed that their collaboration with India is vital for global peace, prosperity and stability. He cited the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus for manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat as an example of successful cooperation.

He highlighted India’s indigenous defence production efforts, listing advancements in missiles, autonomous underwater vehicles, the Pinaka-guided rocket system, and artillery — all developed domestically.

The Ministry of Defence stated that Aero India would also serve as a platform for forging international collaborations to accelerate India’s indigenisation process, supporting the government’s vision of making the country ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

In a subtle swipe at China, Singh remarked, “India has never attacked any country nor has it been involved in any great power rivalry.”