Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel and Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt co-chaired the Apex Committee Meeting for DefExpo 2022 on 22 February 2022 at 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 world’s top defence manufacturing companies. This 12th Edition, the biggest ever so far, is being held in the capital of Gujarat, Gandhinagar from 10-14 March 2022.

Reviewing the planning and arrangements for the event, Raksha Rajya Mantri expressed that DefExpo would give a great opportunity to investments being sought for defence based industries, especially in Gujarat. He brought out that there would be wider participation as government is very keen in indigenization of defence manufacturing sector. India is heading towards becoming self-reliant in terms of Defence production and is now on the path to being recognized as a net defence exporter. The Minister appreciated the arrangements made by MoD in collaboration with 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. RRM said that the 12th Edition of DefExpo 2022, the premier Defence Exhibition to be conducted under the aegis of 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.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel thanked the Hon’ble Prime Minister 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 Ministry of Defence for the successful conduct of the event and make it a grand success.

During the meeting, Chief Secy of Gujarat, Shri Pankaj Kumar briefed on various initiatives of Gujarat Govt. Senior officials of MoD & Gujarat Govt, Top officials from all Armed Forces viz Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Coast Guard & 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 & 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. Exhibition is being planned in a three venue format - exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Center (HEC); Events & Seminars at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Center (MMCEC) and live demonstration for public at Sabarmati Riverfront. Safety protocols as instituted by Health Ministry will be ensured and followed.

SD/GP/JD

 

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