DefExpo2022 to focus on ‘Invest for Defence’  

The government has announced “Invest for Defence”, the first-ever marquee event of the Ministry of Defence, to be the focus area in DefExpo 2022 that will take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between October 18-22. Invest for Defence has been planned to promote investment in the sector in the country.

Officials said the event will address Indian industry as well as foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

The event focused on “Invest for Defence” will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 20 October 2022 during the 12^th edition of DefExpo. The event will highlight the requirements of the Armed Forces and policy reforms undertaken by the Government for ease of doing business in the defence sector. It provides the industry with the opportunities and advantages of investing in the sector and thus contributing to maximising indigenous production.

Also read: Rajnath Singh reviews DefExpo 2022 preparation, second iteration of Indo-Africa defence dialogue scheduled.

The government has planned to present several key policy initiatives to attract investment in defence which includes two proposed defence corridors. The event will see participation from industry names, both Indian as well as foreign OEMs, such as L&T, Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, Saab, Airbus, Lockheed Martin and others, besides participation from domestic and foreign institutional investors and venture capitalists.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the event will feature a panel discussion between industry stalwarts and leaders from the MoD and armed forces.

According to government officials, the discussion will be interactive wherein participants can ask questions to eminent panelists. The target audience for the event will be industry representatives including those from MSMEs and startups, policymakers and enthusiasts in the defence sector.

Another highlight of the event will be a business-to-business (B2B) interaction among OEMs, including defence public sector units and foreign OEMs, on the “Opportunities from large platforms”. Concurrently, with this B2B interaction an iDEX pitching event for startups in the defence sector is planned.