523 Indian exhibitors participate at Defence Expo, largest ever

New Delhi: In an effort to become a global exporter of defence products, a total of 523 Indian companies have confirmed their participation in this year's Defence Expo, largest participation ever by the domestic companies so far. Defexpo is all set to open in Chennai from April 11 to April 14. 

Addressing the mediapersons on the occasion of curtain raiser of Defence Expo 2018, Defence Production Secretary Ajay Kumar said, “It’s a big departure from past when largely global companies showcase products but this time India is emerging as a global arms maunfacturing hub.This edition will see the largest ever participation by Indian companies.” 

Defence Expo will see one India Pavilion where 70 indigenously built products will be displayed. It will have a light and sound show. It will also showcase both public and private sector products, he added.

Besides, 154 international exhibitors have also given their nod for participation. However, the number of global participants reduced by 10 per cent this time. A total of 1055 exhibitors showcased their products in the previous edition of Expo in comparison to 677 this time. 

Aiming to give impetus to start-ups, the ministry of defence will launch the Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX) scheme at the Expo. It was unveiled earlier in the draft Defence Production policy. 

The Expo will be opened for business visitors on April 11 while it will be formally inaugurated on April 12 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the defence production secretary announced. 

For the first time an invitation has been extended to China but Beijing has not responded so far, said Additional Secretary in the defence production Subhash Chandra. (UNI)