Partner with India, Modi urges foreign defence firms

Bengaluru From being just sellers of defence equipment foreign firms must evolve into strategic partners as India wants their technology skills systems integration and manufacturing strength Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here WednesdayFrom sellers foreign firms must turn into strategic partners and use India as part of their global supply chain Modi said at the inaugural ceremony of the Aero India trade expo in this tech hub Noting that defence budgets the world over were shrinking Modi said in his brief address to the gathering which included defence ministers and air chiefs of a dozen countries from the world over adding that the countrys frugal manufacturing and engineering services sector could help foreign firms reduce costsIndia can also be a base for export to third countries in view of our growing defence partnerships in Asia and beyond A strong defence industry will not only make us more secure but also more prosperous Modi told global aerospace firms participating in the fiveday air show at the Yelahanka base of the Indian Air Force IAF on the citys outskirtsAbout 600 multinational and Indian firms including staterun enterprises are showcasing their technologies and products in a dozen pavilions spread over 25 lakh square metres at the sprawling venue Of the 110 countries participating in the event the US is represented in a big way with a 64member delegation followed by France with 58 delegates Britain with 48 Russia with 41 and Israel with 25Admitting that India had the reputation of being the worlds largest importer of defence equipment the prime minister however said the country would not like to be in that position though imports were inevitable in the military arena India being the largest importer of defence equipment may be music to the ears of some of you here but this is one area where we would not like to be number one Modi saidHe said that in view of the security challenges in the region there was a need to increase the countrys defence preparedness by modernizing the defence forces We have to equip for the needs of the future where technology will play a major role As a nation of a billion people we have huge requirements for managing internal security Modi saidTerming the 10th edition of the biennial air show as the largest ever reflecting the countrys new confidence level and global interest in India Modi said the trade expo was a megameeting of the global supply chains with the most advanced technology and equipmentFor me this Aero India is not just a trade fair for defence equipment but a platform to launch our defence manufacturing sector A nation with a strong defence industry can not only be more secure but also reap rich economic benefits Modi said delivering his 20minute address in EnglishPointing out that India was spending tens of billions of dollars on acquisitions from abroad which accounts for 60 percent of the defence equipment Modi said even 2025 percent reduction in imports would create an additional 120000 skilled jobs in the countryIf we can raise the percentage of domestic procurement to 70 percent from 40 percent in the next five years we will double the output in our defence industry and create thousands of jobs in the manufacturing and services sector Modi saidIncreasing localisation has also spinoff benefits on other sectors in terms of advanced materials and technologies We are focusing on developing our defence industry with a sense of mission with Make in India programme at the heart We are also reforming our defence procurement policies and procedures with a clear preference for equipment manufactured in India Modi addedAero India got off to a flying start with a spectacular display of Indias air prowess and daring aerobatics by fighters helicopters and transport aircraft Modi and about 1000 invitees were treated to thrilling aerial feats by different types of aircraft including the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft LCA Sukhoi SU30MKI Mirage2000 Jaguar and the Hawk advanced jet trainer AJTFrench aerospace major Dassault Aviation flew its Rafale medium multirole combat aircraft to demonstrate its awesome strike force as the IAF has shortlisted the MMRCA for induction in its frontline fleet in place of the ageing Sovietera MiG21The IAF pilots also flew the Dhruv advanced light helicopter ALH as the Sarang aerobatics team the Boeing C17 GlobemasterIII heavylift transport and the Russianmade Ilyushin76 transport aircraft Daring feats by Flying Bulls of Czech Republic AeroSuper Baltics and Aerowind Services from Britain Scandinavian air show team Wasp and Open Skydiving of the US Special Forces drew cheers from the spectatorsIn all 72 military aircraft are on flying and static display at the air show including P8A maritime reconnaissance aircraft and KC135 tanker of Boeing and EMB145 Embraer from Brazil In addition 17 types of civil aircraft including business jets and helicopters are on display for hardselling in the growing Indian aviation marketThe staterun defence exhibition organisation has chosen the Make in India programme of the government as the events theme to pitch for overseas investments in designing developing and manufacturing aerospace products and platforms for the global military and civil aviation markets especially in the Indian subcontinent