The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the 14th edition of Aero India 2023 at the Air Force Station of Yelahanka, Bengaluru, on Monday, February 13. Aero India 2023 is themed “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” where more than 80 countries are participating, along with 800 defence companies. There are around 100 foreign companies and 700 Indian companies present. In line with the vision of the Prime Minister, “Make in India, Make for the World,” the event is primarily focused on the display of indigenous technologies and equipment and forging partnerships with foreign companies.
The Prime Minister addressed the audience by saying that the sky over Bengaluru bears testimony to the capabilities of New India. The reality of New India is this new height, and India is touching this new height and transcending it too. Aero India 2023 is a shining example of the growing capabilities of India, and the presence of more than 100 nations in India portrays a sense of trust that the entire world shows in the nation, as said by Prime Minister Modi. He further noted the participation of 700 exhibitors, which included MSMEs and start-ups along with the world’s most renowned companies.
Throwing light on the theme of Aero India 2023, “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” the Prime Minister conveyed that the power and strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat keep growing with each passing day. Shri Modi, while referring to the Conclave of the Defence Minister and CEO roundtable, which is being organized along with the event, said that active participation in the sector will strengthen the potentiality of Aero India. The Prime Minister underscored the significance of Aero India, which is held in Karnataka and is a hub of technological advancement in India. He further added that this will help in opening avenues for the youth of Karnataka in the stream of aviation. The youth of Karnataka was called upon by the Prime Minister in order to deploy their technological expertise in the defence field to strengthen the nation.
The Prime Minister further said that when the nation moves forward with a new approach and new thinking, the system changes accordingly with the new thinking. This was said while he highlighted that Aero India 2023 manifests the changing proposition of New India. According to him, Aero India today is not just a show, but it has become India’s strength, and it not only showcases the scope of the defence industry but also exhibits the self-confidence of India.
The defence sector has transformed in the last 8–9 years, as referred to by the Prime Minister. He further added that the aim is to take the defence exports from 1.5 billion to 5 billion by the years 2024–2025. Shri Modi said that where there is demand, expertise as well experience, the growth of the industry is natural. He further assured the gathering that the strive to strengthen the sector will keep on going forward even stronger.
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Basvaraj Bommai, Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Ajay Bhatt, and Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia were present on the occasion among others.
