Largest ever DefExpo 2022: Rajnath Singh takes stock of the preparation

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparation for DefExpo 2022, Asia's Largest Exhibition on Land, Naval, Air and Homeland Security Systems on Monday. The biennial event has gained significant traction since India relaxed its health protocols on 10 February 2022 due to the reducing cases of COVID19. "The uncertainty on organizing such events due to the pandemic last year had not deterred India in its resolve to further the business interests of its indigenous Defence manufacturing sector and the Ministry of Defence's decision of 31 July 2021 to go ahead with DefExpo-2022 appears not off the mark in hindsight", Ministry said in an official statement.

DefExpo 2022 promises to be the largest event since its inception in 1999, the statement added.

In order to make the expo inclusive for those who can't make it due to restrictions or delays at their end in decision making, the event will be held in hybrid mode, with stalls in both physical and virtual realms. The onboarding process of the virtual event has commenced with the Ministry of Defence inviting greater participation from nations with different health protocols and the initiative will result in greater engagement and outreach as exhibitors can cater to those who are not physically present.

The Defence Expo is being planned in the largest ever area of approximately one lakh sqm at three venues; Exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Center (HEC), Events and Seminars at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Center (MMCEC) and Live demonstration for the public at Sabarmati Riverfront. Defence Minister Singh noted that the recent relaxation of health protocols in India has generated greater interest in DefExpo-2022 which has 78 participating nations, 39 Minister Level delegations with other confirmations to be received in the days ahead and 1000+ registered exhibitors. Foreign Defence Ministers confirmations are also being received and as on date are equal to the previous edition at Lucknow in Feb 2020 in the pre-COVID times.

As the countdown for the mega event has begun and the attendees reposing their faith in the Ministry of Defence to further their Defence Business interests, Rajnath Singh mentioned that the extension of DefExpo 2022 by one day will benefit the local students as dedicated trips for them are being planned. The Defence Expo will facilitate inclusiveness for young entrepreneurs and college/school millennials of the host state Gujarat on the final day.

DefExpo 2022 is symbolic of India's resolve to further its business interests and take global initiatives towards furthering peace and security in the region. Singh observed the preparedness and efforts and expressed confidence for the conduct of a safe and successful DefExpo 2022.

MoS defence Ajay Bhatt, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Sanjiv Mittal and other senior civil & military officials of MoD were also present on the occasion.

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