Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, Asia’s premier aerospace exhibition, in Bengaluru on Monday, comparing it to the Mahakumbh mela, highlighting its significance in showcasing India’s power in a world full of uncertainties.
In his address, Singh described Aero India as a “Mahakumbh” of courage and armaments, emphasizing the event’s role in demonstrating the country’s military and technological advancements. He drew parallels between the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, focused on internal strength, and Aero India, which he said focuses on enhancing India’s external power.
Singh remarked, “The Mahakumbh is underway in India. While Prayagraj’s Kumbh is about self-respect, Aero India is about research. Prayagraj emphasizes internal strengthening, while Aero India strengthens us externally. One Kumbh is of tradition and spirituality; Aero India is of courage and armaments.”
Highlighting the event’s importance, Singh stated that peace cannot be achieved in a “weak state” and that the country must become stronger to work towards a better world order. He added that, amidst global uncertainty, India stands as a beacon of peace and prosperity.
“Aero India is a confluence of cutting-edge technology, offering a platform to enhance relationships based on mutual respect, interest, and benefit. We need to become strong together to ensure global peace,” Singh said. “Only by becoming strong can we work towards a better world order.”
Singh further outlined Aero India’s goals, which include not only showcasing India’s industrial and technological advancements but also strengthening global collaborations. He stressed that the event brings together government officials, industry leaders, scientists, startups, defense personnel, and academia, fostering a deeper level of industrial cooperation.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the international presence at the event as a testament to shared global values. “The presence of our foreign partners demonstrates that they share our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,'” Singh stated.
He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision encapsulated in the slogan ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ and noted that Aero India’s theme, “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” resonates with the nation’s potential. “In a country of a billion people, there are a billion opportunities. This Aero Show represents that spirit.”
The 15th edition of Aero India, which runs from February 10 to 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, is expected to be the largest to date. The event features over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, and aims to promote India’s aerial prowess, innovations, and the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
The event will also facilitate international collaborations to speed up India’s indigenization process, supporting Prime Minister Modi’s ambition of making India a developed nation by 2047. Key highlights of the exhibition include airshows, seminars, a CEOs Roundtable, and discussions on defense innovation.
Aero India 2025 will be open to the public from February 13-14, following the business days from February 10-12. This year’s exhibition will be a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a self-reliant, secure, and strong nation.
