Article Posted on : - Feb 03, 2021

Indian Air Forces light combat helicopter Rudra performs during rehearsals for the Aero India 2021, at the Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, Tuesday, Feb.2, 2021. A PTI Photo

BENGALURU (PTI):  India on Wednesday invited global defence and aerospace companies to set up manufacturing units in the country taking advantage of various initiatives taken by the government in the field.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India offers unlimited potential in defence and aerospace.

"Aero India is a wonderful platform for collaborations in these areas. The Government of India has brought futuristic reforms in these sectors, which will add impetus to our quest to become Aatmanirbhar," Modi wrote on Twitter.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Aero India-2021, the country's premier defence and aerospace show, at Air Force Station at Yelahanka here, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh invited global companies in the field to set up manufacturing units in the country by taking advantage of various initiatives taken by the government.

Since 2014, Singh said, the central government has brought in many reforms in defence sector to create a conducive ecosystem for exports, Foreign Direct Investment and offset discharge.

"I have been informed that about 540 exhibitors including 80 foreign companies, Defence Ministers, Delegates, Service chiefs and officials from more than 55 nations are participating in the event. It reflects the growing optimism of the global community", he said.

Despite the constraints posed by the global pandemic, Singh said he is pleased to see such a large number of participants in this years event.

"The Aero India 21 will display the vast potential of India, and the multifarious opportunities that our country offers in the field of defence and aerospace sector.

It also promises to be the World's First Ever Hybrid Aero and Defence exhibition", the Minister added on Twitter.