Modi's “Make In India” To Dominate Defexpo-16 At Naqueri Quitol In Goa

NationalDefence.in, 23 March 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream project "Make In India" is to dominate the 9th edition of Defexpo India. A total of 1030 companies have registered so far to participate in Defence Expo 2016 in Goa starting 28 March, first time being held out of New Delhi. While the focus of this year’s Defexpo is ‘Make In India’, 490 foreign firms participating, a steep rise from 369 in the last Defexpo held in 2014 in New Delhi. The number of Indian companies has also increased this year from 256 to 540. There will a live demonstration by DRDO, Bhrat Forge and TATA. Akash missile system, which was inducted last year will be showcased in Defexpo. Indigenously developed Dhanush missile will be a center of attraction. Similarly, LCA Tejas will perform some aerial manoeuvres. “Pakistani and Chinese companies have not been invited to participate in India’s Defexpo”.  “Chinese delegation is invited but they are yet to confirm their participation”, said AK Gupta, Secretary, Defence Production in curtain raiser press conference.

This Defexpo is being held first ever outside Delhi because a committee set up in 2012 has confirmed that Pragati Maidan would not be available for hosting the mega event in 2016. The Defexpo at Naqueri Quitol in Quepem Taluka of South Goa will be opened for public on 31 March and entry will remain free. Gross area of Defexpo is 150000 sq meters; the land is taken for the specific purpose from Goa State Industrial Development Corporation. The net area sold during Defexpo-16 is 40725 sqm. DRDO is the largest exhibitor both indoor and outdoor. The largest foreign participant is of Russia. Chalet will be of Ministry of Defence, India Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force only. Goa state police will look after outer security, CISF inner, and private guards would also monitor the security to ward of untoward incident. Dog Squads, bomb disposal squads would be placed as part of the security drill. Special Para is being kept on standby as usual in case of any exigency at Defexpo-16 venue.

The exposition would be showcasing India’s capabilities in Land, Naval, Internal Homeland Security as well as it's emergence as an attractive destination for investment in Defence Sector by providing a platform for alliances and joint ventures in the defence industry. The event also provides an excellent opportunity to the Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Private Sector and other defence related industries to demonstrate their capabilities to design, develop and deliver a wide range of military and civil products/ services.

Total participating countries are 47. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungry, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of korea, Romania, Russia Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, South Korea (RoK), Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, Ukrain, United Arab Emirates, USA.

France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Russia, South Korea, UK and USA have established their pavilions. A total of 204 delegates from 44 countries are participating in the Defexpo.  Seminar on “Advances in shipbuilding technology by Nirdesh is on 29 March. Global Investors’ Summit “Make In India For Defence Sector” is again on 29 March 2016 by ASSOCHAM.  Seminar on Defence Offset: Challenges and Opportunities by CII is on 29 March. India Korea Defence Cooperation Seminar and Business meet by FICCI is on 28 March. Interaction with Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) on Modernisation Program of Indian Army by FICCI is scheduled on 30 March 2016. Like previous Defexpo(s), B2B meetings are also arranged during Defexpo-16.

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