Like-minded countries should strive together for collective actions for peace in view of the state of "flux" triggered by multiple conflicts across the world, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.
In an address at an 'Ambassadors' Round-Table', he observed that aerospace power is the "new frontier of military dominance" which acts as strategic deterrence and said the 'Aero India' aerospace exhibition in India—scheduled to be held from February 10 to14 in Bengaluru—presents an opportunity for nations to jointly explore strengths and capabilities and address "strategic" as well as "tactical needs".
Singh said the Indian aerospace and defence sector represents an attractive opportunity for foreign companies seeking to establish new ventures and partnerships. "It is of paramount importance that the like-minded countries should strive together for collective actions for peace and prosperity."
"Without these, our future generations will not be able to take advantage of economic growth or technological innovations that we are experiencing in today's era," Singh told envoys of several countries.
The defence minister said India is emerging as a leading voice for the Global South, and it advocates for a multi-aligned policy approach, which ensures that diverse views are considered in the collective pursuit of prosperity. "In today's geopolitical landscape, fostering unity among like-minded nations is essential for ensuring mutual prosperity and peace, while addressing contemporary challenges."
He said India has always championed shared prosperity and shared responsibility based on the fundamental principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family), and described Aero India as one such event, where "nations come together and form bonds beyond boundaries."
He defined Aero India as a forum to form strategic partnerships towards increasing opportunities for business, transfer of technology, joint development and co-production.
Singh emphasised that India now possesses one of the largest defence industrial ecosystems in Asia and cited the "significant milestone" of setting-up of a production facility for C-295 transport aircraft in in Vadodara.
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The defence minister asserted that India has emerged as an attractive destination for investment, and Aero India presents an opportunity for friendly nations to jointly explore strengths and capabilities in the defence sector.
He added that the event will facilitate industry captains, technology leaders, intellectuals and entrepreneurs with new avenues for collaboration in defence industrial enterprises.
"Aero India 2025 will serve as a vital forum for exploring partnerships that will from the base for future challenges. Together, we can create pathways for growth that are inclusive and sustainable," the minister said.
He noted that air and space power have become pivotal elements in shaping strategies as such assets, with artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide an unprecedented advantage in battle-field scenarios.
Highlighting India's focus on self-reliance through strategic partnership and technological collaborations in defence and aerospace sectors, Singh said: "In recent years, the government has brought about several transformative policy reforms aimed at bolstering a robust defence industry ecosystem."
At the Round-Table, ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries were briefed on the major events of Aero India 2025.
