Bengaluru: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off South Asia's biggest air show in Bengaluru last week. The 10th Aero India show reflecting India's air prowess, was based on the theme 'Make in India'.
Speaking at the event, Modi said a nation with a strong defence would be secure and would have good economic growth. "We are focusing on developing India's defence industry with a sense of mission. This is why it is at the heart of Make in India programme," Modi said.
Modi said the government is aiming at building a defence industry that would have room for everyone - public sector, private sector and foreign firms. "We must ensure that our tax system does not discriminate against domestic manufacture in comparison to imports. Our defence industry will succeed more if we can transform the manufacturing sector in India," he said.
Besides Modi, India's defence minster Manohar Parrikar, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, Chief Minister Siddaramiah, central and state cabinet ministers and defence ministers from countries such as Britain, France, Germany, Israel and Russia participated in the event with high-profile delegations, officials and chief executives.
Modi and Parrikar also attended a Global CEOs Conference and an Investors' Meet on defence production in India at the venue.
