Aero-India is not just an exhibition but symbol of soaring rise of New India — PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday used the opportunity of inaugurating an international air show in Bengaluru to highlight the soaring rise of a New India, driven by superior technological prowess, a sound industrial base and credible military heft.

Speaking at the inaugural of Aero-India 2023, where representatives of more than 100 countries were present, he said that the world was getting acquainted with and establishing trust in the leadership of a New India.

“The sky of Bengaluru is becoming a witness to the capability of New India. Bengaluru’s sky is giving a testimony that the new heights is the truth of a New India. Today, the nation is touching new heights and even surpassing them,” he added.

He said the presence of around 100 nations at the event shows that the world’s trust in India has increased manifold.”

Earlier, PM Modi has stressed that India aspires to become a fully developed country by 2047, riding on a massive industrial base, of which military industry is an important pillar, that is being established under the Atmanirbhar Bharat doctrine.

He pointed out that India was targeting military exports to reach $ 5 billion by 2024-25.

Prime Minister Modi further said that there was a time when Aero India was considered just a show, but the approach has changed over the last few years.

“Aero India reflects the new approach of a New India. There was a time when it was considered just a show. In the past few years, the nation has changed this perception. Today, it’s not just a show but also a showcase of India’s growing strength. It also focuses on the scope of the Indian defence industry and our self-confidence.

PM Modi was referring to the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which was essentially Make-in-India for the world, and not the earlier insular approach of self-reliance. Unsurprisingly, he said that India is now not just a market but also a potential defence partner”. India has already signed a deal with France’s Safran to manufacture aero-engines. A similar deal is in the pipeline with the US to manufacture GE-414 engines for the maritime variant of the Tejas fighter jet.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Aero-India 2023, reflected India’s entry into Amritkal, a 25-year golden period which will transition India into Viksit Bharat or fully developed country, timed with 100-years of India’s independence.

“India of AmritKaal is heading like a fighter plane,” PM observed.

Focusing on the youth-driven “skill-India” concept, PM Modi urged young people to use their technological skills for boosting the country’s defence industry.

“I urge the youth to use their expertise in the field of technology, use it for empowering the country’s defence sector and open new innovations.”

Key exhibitors in Aero India 2023 include Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEML Limited.

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