Indian Defence Minister gives presidential address at Aero India 2007 International Seminar
By A K Anthony | 05 Feb 2007
This international seminar conducted biennially has become a permanent fixture in the aerospace calendar of events all over the world. It attracts an overwhelming response from delegates and speakers, which is a healthy trend that augurs well not only for India, but the aerospace community as a whole.
At a time when our economy is growing at an unprecedented pace, our government is alive to future strengthen the capabilities of our armed forces. The recent Indo-US nuclear deal and the agreement with Russia on access to navigation signals of the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) for peaceful purposes, signal our government's steadfast commitment to actively engage world leaders in the field of aerospace power and space. It is evidence enough that India is willing to partner global leaders in the field in our efforts to optimise the advantages of aerospace power.
With the indigenous development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Advanced Light Helicopter (AHL) and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), the Indian aerospace community has proved its competence in aviation, space technology and related disciplines. Our confident steps towards undertaking a 'Mission to the Moon' are a reflection of the confidence of the Indian scientific community in designing and building sophisticated aerospace systems. Investment in scientific research and development activities in aerospace sector leads to an improvement in infrastructure and also strengthens both - the industry as well as our armed forces.
We are also willing to collaborate with international players to operationalise aerospace weapons and platforms, ranging from combat aircrafts to early warning systems and UAV, tactical missiles and military propulsion systems. Shared efforts in technology lead to the development of cost effective solutions. However, any such partnership should share the gains, risks as well as the work structure.
It is our government's resolve to introduce fairness and transparency in our dealings. With this end in view, the offset policy of our government seeks to provide avenues for the growth of medium and small-scale entrepreneurs. It will also help smaller players in upgrading their engineering and manufacturing skills to compete with the best in the world. Several small players have in fact come forward to showcase their capabilities and tone up their skills through interaction with global players.
The Indian industry today competes with the best in the field in terms of efficiency, competitiveness and maintaining quality standard. India is fast emerging as a manufacturing nerve centre for companies from all over the world. Several foreign partners want to leverage our proven skills in product designing, assured quality and value addition.
Aerospace firms can outsource the services of engineers and space professionals. These companies can benefit from the availability of skilled manpower at low cost. This is the reason why foreign firms see India as an attractive destination for more cost effective production of defence items.
The youth of our country hold the key to our future and should be encouraged to interact with professionals and experts from various countries. To this end, the participation of several students from Indian engineering colleges specialising in aerospace sciences and technologies in this seminar is a heartening development. Investing in education and training of youth is crucial, if we are to make progress in high technology areas like aerospace.
I thank all the distinguished guests who have gathered here for their support to the seminar. The incorporation of six keynote address, two plenary sessions and 18 other technical sessions and the presence of over 70 speakers from the world over in this seminar is ample proof of the importance the world attaches to aerospace power. I am sure that you all will carry fruitful experiences and pleasant memories of your participation in this seminar. I would like to congratulate the DRDO and the Aeronautical Society of India for their efforts. I wish the upcoming sessions all success. I wish all the participants the very best in their deliberation.
Thank you.
(Speech delivered by A K Anthony, Minister of Defence, India)
