5-day DefExpo from Feb 5

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, January 31

The five-day DefExpo 2020, which will open in Lucknow on February 5, will see India engage with African nations in a big way.

At least 14 Defence ministers from various countries of Africa will attend the India-Africa Defence conclave.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said the India-Africa conclave was being hosted with the cooperation of the Ministry of External Affairs. “This is to look at the export potential of Indian-made military equipment such as artillery guns, missiles and vehicles,” he added.

The Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence has set an aim to “achieve export of Rs 35,000 crore” by 2025 and overall achieve a turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore ($26 billion approx) in defence goods and services by 2025.

On DefExpo, Kumar said, “We have confirmed participation of 40 ministerial delegations,” adding that the 11th edition of the biennial mega defence exhibition would see more than 100 companies participating and this includes 165 foreign companies.

The theme of the exhibition is — “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”. The aim is to bring the leading technologies in the defence sector under one roof and provide a myriad of opportunities for the government, private manufactures and startups. The event will cover the entire spectrum of the country’s aerospace, defence and security interests.

The sub-theme of the exhibition is “Digital Transformation of Defence” which aligns with the concept of the future battlefield.

Manufacturing for the aerospace and defence sector through application of newer technologies will also be focused upon, in addition to exhibiting products and technologies.

Business seminars are being organised by both international and Indian industry chambers like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), SYNERGIA, Directorate of Standardisation (DOS)/Department of Defence Production (DDP), US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

The seminar topics are futuristic and include discussions on artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things (IoTs), drones and wired warrior.

The expo will be spread across 53,000 sq m. The first three will be business days, while the last two days will be open for public. On the first three days, 5,000 college students have been invited to come and experience the event first hand.