India shares space science with more than 60 developing countries
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sees India’s defence exports reaching US$5 billion in the coming years, driven by demand from emerging economies. It was US$1.5 billion in 2021-22.
“Our defence exports have grown 8 times in the last 5 years. We are exporting defence materials and equipment to more than 75 countries,” he said at the opening of DefExpo 2022 on 19 Oct 2022.
“In 2021-22, defence exports from India reached US$1.59 billion, and in the coming time, we have set a target to reach US$5 billion,” he told more than 1,300 exhibitors at the expo which include the India Defence Industry, some joint ventures associated with Indian Defence Industry, MSMEs and more than 100 startups.
The Prime Minister remarked that it provides a glimpse of the capability and possibility of India in one single frame.
He further informed that more than 400 MoUs were signed at the expo, a first time ever expression of strong interest in the Indian defence industry.
He unveiled HTT-40, the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, launched Mission DefSpace and laid the foundation stone of Deesa airfield in Gujarat.
He highlighted the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue involving 53 African nation. “This relationship between India and Africa is based on time-tested trust that is further deepening and touching new dimensions with the passing of time.”
He stressed, “Space technology is an example of what security will mean for any strong nation in the future. Various challenges in this area have been reviewed and identified by the three services. We have to work fast to solve them.”
“Mission Defence Space”, he continued, “will not only encourage innovation and strengthen our forces but also provide new and innovative solutions.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that space technology is shaping new definitions of India’s generous space diplomacy, giving rise to new possibilities.
“Many African countries and many other small countries are benefiting from this,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister informed that India is sharing its space science with more than 60 developing countries.
“The South Asia satellite is an effective example of this. By next year, the 10 ASEAN countries will also get real-time access to India’s satellite data. Even developed countries like Europe and America are using our satellite data,” he said. fiinews.com
