Aero India 2025: India's Defence Push to Secure Global Peace and Prosperity
Raksha Mantri Inaugurates Asia’s Largest Aerospace & Defence Exhibition, Emphasizing National Security & Global Collaborations
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru, 10th February 2025 – The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia's premier aerospace and defence exhibition, took flight today with the inauguration by India’s Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh. Speaking at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, he stressed that the event’s central theme is to strengthen India’s role as a leader in global peace, security, and technological advancements.
Key Points from Aero India 2025 Inauguration:
Security Beyond Borders: In his inaugural address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that India's national security cannot exist in isolation. "Security, stability, and peace are shared global constructs," he said, urging international cooperation to face present-day uncertainties and challenges. He further added that the presence of global partners at Aero India reinforces India’s vision of a "One Earth, One Family, One Future" approach to peace.
India's Defence Industry Driving Economic Growth: Rajnath Singh highlighted the transformation of India’s defence sector, now a major driver of economic growth. With a well-planned roadmap under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s defence sector has fully integrated into the national economy, powering both growth and national security.
Record Defence Budget Allocation: The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a record ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence, including ₹1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition. This reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening national defence and securing India’s position on the global security stage. Additionally, 75% of the modernization budget will go towards domestic procurement, prioritizing Indian defence manufacturing.
Private Sector’s Role in Defence: Highlighting the importance of private sector participation, the Raksha Mantri called for a more active role in defence production. "The private sector’s innovation and drive will usher in a new era of prosperity for India," he said. The joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus for manufacturing the C-295 transport aircraft was showcased as an example of successful industrial collaboration.
India as a Global Defence Hub: Rajnath Singh praised India’s growing status as a preferred destination for aerospace components and complex system assembly. With advancements like the Astra and Akash missiles, and the development of high-tech defence systems like Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and the Pinaka Guided Rocket, India is on track to meet its ambitious targets of surpassing ₹1.60 lakh crore in defence production and ₹30,000 crore in defence exports by 2025-26.
Year of Reforms in Defence: With 2025 designated as the "Year of Reforms" in the Ministry of Defence, the government is committed to accelerating progress in the defence sector through comprehensive and inclusive reforms. “Reforms are not limited to the Ministry level; they will include active participation from the Armed Forces and DPSUs to drive the sector forward,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.
India's Leadership in Global Security: A Vision for the Future
The exhibition also highlighted India’s central role in global peace and security. Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated India's longstanding commitment to peace, citing that India has never initiated war or participated in major power rivalries, always advocating for stability and prosperity worldwide.
The Aero India 2025 exhibition aligns with India's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India, Make for the World, aiming to fortify strategic collaborations with global aerospace powers. Over the next five days, the event will feature cutting-edge products from global aerospace giants and promote fast-tracked indigenisation.
Business Days and Public Engagement:
The event will be held in two phases—business days from February 10-12, followed by public days on February 13-14. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring airshows and interact with industry leaders, while sessions like the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEO Roundtable, and high-level seminars will foster dialogue on defence innovation and international partnerships.
