(From left) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and other officials, during the inauguration of Aero India 2025 – Airshow at IAF Yelahanka Airforce Station, in Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 10, 2025.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the Aero India air show as ‘the Kumbh of research’.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 15th edition of Aero India, at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, on February 10, Mr Singh said, “While Maha Kumbh is the Kumbh of introspection, Aero India is the Kumbh of research. While Maha Kumbh is focusing on internal strength, Aero India will centre on external strength. While Maha Kumbh showcases the culture of India, Aero India will display the power of India.”
Aerial prowess
He added that this edition of Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition will showcase, over the next five days, India’s aerial prowess and indigenous cutting-edge innovations alongside state-of-the-art products of global aerospace companies.
“Aero India 2025, a confluence of critical and frontier technologies, will provide a platform to further strengthen relations among like-minded countries based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual benefit to deal with today’s uncertainties,” he said.
Aero India 2025 gets off to a spectacular start in Bengaluru
The 15th edition of the biennial Aero India was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka on Monday (February 10, 2025).
| Video Credit:
The Hindu
Speaking after inaugurating the Aero India 2025, he stressed the need to work together to deal with today’s uncertainties and the new challenges that are emerging in today’s perspectives.
The Defence Minister said that between the last edition of the Aero India and now, India has come up with many high-tech products such as Astra Missile, New Generation Akash Missile, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Unmanned Surface Vessel, Pinaka Guided Rocket, which are being manufactured within the country.
He assured that the government will resolve to surpass the ₹1.27 lakh crore defence production and ₹21,000 crore defence exports figures in the coming times, and ensure that the defence sector moves ahead at an unprecedented pace.
The allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in Union Budget 2025-26, including ₹ 1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition, is proof that the government considers defence as a top-priority sector.
Peace and prospertity
In the present environment of global uncertainty, India is one such big country which is witnessing peace and prosperity. “India has never attacked any country nor has it been involved in any great power rivalry. We have always been an advocate of peace and stability. It is part of our fundamental ideals,” he said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appealed to the Defence Minister to consider and give incentives to manufacturers of aircraft and helicopters to set up their industry in Karnataka and in India.
“Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, boasts some of the best talent in the aerospace industry, making it an ideal location to establish aircraft and helicopter manufacturing facilities. By offering incentives to manufacturers, we could retain this talent within India, prevent brain drain,” Mr. Shivakumar said.
He added that Karnataka plays a crucial role in India’s aerospace sector, contributing 67% of the country’s aircraft and helicopter manufacturing for defence services, and 65% of India’s aerospace-related exports.
Published – February 10, 2025 12:46 pm IST