Defence Expo 2020 opens in Lucknow today, PM Modi to inaugurate five day event

The 11th edition of the DefExpo-2020, event of the Ministry
of Defence, will kick start in Lucknow today. The five-day event will be
inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Union Defence
Minister and Local MP Rajnath Singh.

One of the largest mega defence exhibition of its kind is
being held for the first time in Lucknow and it will cover the entire spectrum
of the country’s aerospace, defence and security interests.

This edition of DefExpo promises to bring new technologies,
technological solutions, where Defence manufacturing companies from India and
abroad showcase their products and services in Defence arena, on a single
platform.

Speaking to media persons at the Curtain Raiser event on the
eve of the DefExpo in Lucknow yesterday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said
that the huge participation of foreign countries and exhibitors in the
DefExpo-2020 reflects India’s growing stature in the international arena where
the world listens to it and powerful nations take pride in marching in step
with our country.

Mr Singh said that the prestige of India is growing because
of the dynamic leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country
now aspires to be the Economic Superpower in the world.

The number of participating foreign companies has also
increased to 172 from the previous figure of 160. India-Africa Defence
Ministers Conclave will be organized for the first time in which more than 30
African countries will participate.

Ministers from over 40 countries will take part in this
edition of DefExpo, making it an important opportunity for countries to further
strengthen defence ties with India. Many MOUs are also expected to be inked in
this event.

On this occasion, Chief Minister of State Yogi Adityanath said
that Uttar Pradesh will use indigenously-developed Dornier aircraft on two
routes from Lucknow very soon.

 It will be for the
first time an aircraft developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL,
will be used for civilian purposes.