Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Aero India 2025, the 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, in Bengaluru on Monday.
Describing it as the “Maha Kumbh Mela of aviation,” he emphasised that the five-day event will highlight India’s technological advancements and resilience amid global uncertainties.
Addressing the event, Singh highlighted that the record allocation of ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget 2025-26, including ₹1.80 lakh crore for capital acquisition, demonstrates the government’s commitment to defence as a top-priority sector. He added that, similar to the previous budget, 75% of the modernisation budget has been reserved for procurement through domestic sources to further strengthen India’s defence industrial complex.
Singh highlighted that India is undergoing a transformational phase, rapidly progressing from a developing to a developed nation. He emphasised that a vibrant and thriving defence industry ecosystem has emerged due to a concerted, sustained, and well-thought-out roadmap by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The defence industrial sector, which was not previously viewed as an economic driver, has now been fully integrated into the country’s economic framework. Today, it is a key engine powering India’s growth,” he said.
Highlighting India’s emergence as a global hub for aerospace components and complex system assembly, he stressed the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in driving this progress. Products such as Astra missiles, new-generation Akash missiles, autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and Pinaka guided rockets are now being manufactured domestically, reinforcing India’s capabilities in cutting-edge defence technology.
While citing a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus for the manufacturing of C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat, he particularly emphasized the growing role of the private sector in this transformation. Citing that private industry has been at the forefront of defence production in many advanced countries, he stated that the time has come for India's private sector to play an equally significant role in defence manufacturing.
As for the nature of international relations, which may sometimes remain at a purely transactional level between buyers and sellers, Singh reiterated that for India, these relationships need to be transformed into industrial collaboration. He mentioned that there have been good co-productions and co-development with partner countries and added that security, stability, and peace could never be ensured alone but were constructs shared beyond national borders. The foreign delegates present, he pointed out, represented a common vision of worldwide unity.
Speaking on India’s geopolitical stance, Singh underlined that despite global uncertainties, the country continues to experience peace and prosperity. He reiterated that India has never engaged in aggression or great power rivalries and has consistently advocated stability, a principle deeply embedded in its fundamental ideals. Singh emphasized that cooperation with India is key to ensuring global peace and stability.
Aero India 2025 is being organized over 42,438 square metres, and it will be participated by 30 defense ministers and 43 military chiefs from various countries. In all, 90 nations will take part in the event. The exhibition will provide aerial stunts by 70 fighter jets, cargo aircraft, and trainer aircraft, besides 30 helicopters. These include Russian and American fighter jets as the key highlights of the exhibition.
Over 900 different countries' manufacturers will be showcasing the advancements in AI, drones, cyber security, aerospace globally, and the emerging technologies.
The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India products will be highlighted in this edition of the show.
100 CEOs from different companies and 50 foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will be here to take discussions of investments, research, joint ventures, and defence sectors.
There will be seminars on ten different topics and more than 70 flying shows in the air show. It is expected to attend a crowd of more than 700,000 spectators.
For the 15th time, the US is participating in Aero India and will showcase a range of advanced aircraft, reinforcing the strong and growing defence and aerospace partnership between India and the US. Both countries share a commitment to promoting regional security, stability, economic prosperity, and strategic investment ties.
More than two dozen American exhibitors will engage with their Indian counterparts at Aero India 2025, explore new business opportunities, and present innovative solutions in aviation and defence.These companies will display advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), fighter aircraft, advanced avionics, and defence electronics.
The 15th edition of Aero India is being held from February 10 to 14. The first three days, from February 10 to 12, are designated as business days, while February 13 and 14 are open to the public to witness the show.
Read also| India Engaging with US Authorities on Tahawwur Rana's Surrender Logistics: MEA
