Rajnath Singh addressing defence industry leaders at the CEOs’ Roundtable on the sidelines of Aero India – 2025 at Bengaluru. (Photo: X/rajnathsingh)
Bengaluru: On the second day of Aero India – 2025, on Tuesday, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station here, the event witnessed significant developments as international aerospace leaders engaged in strategic dialogues, reinforcing India’s position in the global aerospace sector.
A highlight of the day’s proceedings was the Defence Ministers’ Conclave – themed “BRIDGE – Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement”. This conclave aimed to foster strategic partnerships with friendly nations, emphasizing mutual prosperity through international cooperation. Key defence officials, including the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, and the chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, participated in numerous bilateral meetings.
Addressed the Defence Ministers’ Conclave on ‘Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE)’, organised as part of the Aero India in Bengaluru.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 11, 2025
Exhorted the global community to join India in the co-development and co-production of advanced… pic.twitter.com/k9hNWO3FKJ
The CEOs’ Roundtable convened global industry leaders and Indian defence manufacturing executives, creating opportunities for foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to explore manufacturing possibilities within India. This initiative aligns with India’s “Make in India” campaign, encouraging international firms to invest in domestic production and contribute to the country’s self-reliance in defence capabilities.
India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing was evident through the impressive displays of indigenous aircraft during Day 1 and Day 2 of the airshow. Apart from the Sukhoi-30MKI and Rafale fighters, the HAL Tejas-Mk1A, an advanced version of the light combat aircraft (LCA), exhibited its agility and combat capabilities. Additionally, the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) and the HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainer performed intricate manoeuvres, highlighting India’s strides in aerospace technology.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s light utility helicopter (LUH) took to the skies, performing solo stunts that demonstrated its versatility and suitability for high-altitude operations, particularly in challenging environments like the Himalayas.
The India Pavilion showcased the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and future-ready technologies. An exclusive iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) pavilion highlighted innovations from Indian start-ups, reflecting the nation's emphasis on fostering homegrown technological advancements in the defence sector.
Aero India – 2025 has seen significant improvements in infrastructure and visitor experience. Enhanced exhibition halls, improved seating, additional food courts, and better signage have been introduced to accommodate the growing number of participants and visitors. Security measures have also been bolstered with anti-drone systems and multi-agency coordination to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
The event has attracted over 240 exhibitors, reflecting its stature as Asia’s premier aerospace exhibition. The participation of global aerospace giants underscores the importance of Aero India as a platform for international collaboration and innovation.
In addition to the business and strategic engagements, the day featured dynamic aerobatic displays and live technology demonstrations, offering participants an immersive experience in modern aerospace advancements. These displays not only showcased technological prowess but also served as a testament to the collaborative efforts between Indian and international aerospace entities.
