- “Aerospace Power is the New Frontier”: Rajnath Singh at Ambassadors’ Round-Table
- India’s Push for Global Partnerships and Defence Innovation
- “Runway to a Billion Opportunities”: Aero India 2025 Takes Center Stage
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 11 January 2025. In the backdrop of a dynamic global security environment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for greater cohesion among nations to address current challenges and build pathways for collective prosperity. Speaking at the Ambassadors’ Round-Table in New Delhi on January 10, 2025, held as a precursor to Aero India 2025, the Defence Minister emphasized India’s commitment to fostering partnerships that transcend boundaries. Highlighting India’s emergence as a key voice for the Global South and a hub for aerospace and defence innovation, he outlined how Aero India 2025 will serve as a pivotal platform to strengthen global partnerships and shape the future of defence technology.
“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,” Rajnath Singh told the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of various countries attending the event.
Stressing on the need for unity among like-minded countries to overcome geopolitical tensions and ensure global peace and prosperity, he underlined India’s multi-aligned policy approach, which promotes dialogue, respect, and cooperation. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guiding principles of “One Earth, One Family,” he called for collective action to tackle global challenges while advancing shared prosperity.
Describing Aero India 2025 as Asia’s largest aeroshow, the Defence Minister highlighted its significance as a forum where nations come together to showcase technological advancements, forge strategic partnerships, and explore opportunities for collaboration in the defence and aerospace sectors. The 15th edition of the event, scheduled to be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14, 2025, will feature key events such as a Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs’ Round-Table, iDEX start-up showcases, air shows, and exhibitions. Themed “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” the event will focus on accelerating indigenization and promoting India as a global defence manufacturing hub.
He stated, “ In recent years, the government has brought about several transformative policy reforms aimed at bolstering a robust defence industry ecosystem. This includes initiatives that promote domestic design, development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising its strategic importance and vast potential, the Government has designated aerospace as one of the core sectors of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. As a result of this, aerospace and defence in India is taking significant strides in developing cutting-edge technologies, both through public as well as private industry participation.”
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s thriving defence industrial ecosystem, which has attracted global interest. He cited the establishment of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence & Space as a milestone in India’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of aerospace power as the new frontier of military dominance, where advancements in AI and machine learning are reshaping strategic capabilities.
Secretary Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, delivered the welcome address at the Ambassadors Roundtable in New Delhi. The event brought together Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and diplomats from various countries, fostering global collaboration in aerospace & defence.
As India gears up to host Aero India 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s address underscored the country’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and advancing technological self-reliance in the defence and aerospace sectors. The event promises to serve as a vital platform for strengthening bonds, exploring collaborative opportunities, and addressing shared strategic challenges. With its focus on innovation, indigenization, and inclusivity, Aero India 2025 stands as a testament to India’s vision of being a global leader in aerospace and defence.
