Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt co-chaired the Apex Committee Meeting for DefExpo 2022 on 22 February in Gandhinagar.
DefExpo 2022 is Asia’s largest exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security Systems which will showcase India’s Defence manufacturing capabilities & includes participation from the world’s top defence manufacturing companies.
Also read: DefExpo 2022: Over 900 Exhibitors Register; Mega Event Themed ‘Path to Pride’
This 12th edition, the biggest ever so far, is being held in the capital of Gujarat, Gandhinagar from 10-14 March.
Reviewing the planning and arrangements for the event, Ajay said that DefExpo would give a great opportunity to investments being sought for defence based industries, especially in Gujarat.
Also read: DefExpo 2022 Mobile App Launched; You Can Download It Here
He brought out that there would be wider participation as the government is very keen in the indigenisation of defence manufacturing sector. India is heading towards becoming self-reliant in terms of Defence production and is now on the path to being recognised as a net defence exporter. The minister appreciated the arrangements made by MoD in collaboration with the government of Gujarat for the smooth conduct of DefExpo-2022.
“This mega event will provide an opportunity to major Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to collaborate with the Indian defence industry and help promote ‘Make in India’ initiative envisaged by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,” Ajay said.
Also read: DefExpo 2022 Extended By 1 Day, to be Held from March 10-14
He added that the 12th Edition of DefExpo 2022, the premier Defence Exhibition to be conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), will be magnificent in many aspects as it is in line with the celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ where we are commemorating 75 years of progressive India.
The theme for the event ‘Path to Pride’ will showcase the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements.
CM Bhupendra thanked PM Modi for giving the opportunity to host this mega event in Gujarat and applauded the PM for his vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He termed it as a matter of pride to host DefExpo 2022 in Gujarat and assured that his Govt would extend its full support to the Ministry of Defence for the successful conduct of the event and make it a grand success.
During today’s meeting, we reviewed the progress of arrangements made for DefExpo 2022 to be organised from 10-14 March at Gandhinagar.@CMOGuj @rajnathsingh @SpokespersonMoD @DefencePRO_Guj pic.twitter.com/5ct70EkuLd
— Ajay Bhatt (@AjaybhattBJP4UK) February 22, 2022
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Pankaj Kumar briefed on various initiatives of the Gujarat government. Senior officials of MoD & Gujarat government, top officials from all armed forces – Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Paramilitary officials from CISF, CRFP, NDRF, NSG, BSF & Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) – the nodal agency of event also attended the meeting.
973 exhibitors including 121 foreign exhibitors from 63 countries have already registered and numbers are likely to increase in the coming days with relaxation in Covid restrictions.
DefExpo-2022 will be held in hybrid format, with stalls in both physical and virtual realms to ensure greater engagement as the exhibitors will be able to cater to both physical and virtual attendees.
The exhibition is being planned in a three-venue format – exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Centre (HEC), Events & Seminars at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre (MMCEC) and live demonstration for public at Sabarmati Riverfront.
