Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh reviews preparations of DefExpo 2022; event extended by a day
India Today
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on February 18 reviewed the preparations for DefExpo 2022 to be held in Gujarat's Gandhinagar in March. Since relaxation in Covid protocols generated greater interest in DefExpo 2022, Rajnath Singh extended the event by one day. The mega exhibition will now be held between March 10-14 in three- venue format.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Thursday reviewed the preparations for DefExpo 2022, Asia's largest exhibition on land, naval and homeland security systems to be held in Gujarat's Gandhinagar in March. The event is expected to be one of the largest international defence exhibitions in the world.
There has been greater domestic and international interest in this 12th edition of DefExpo, since India relaxed its health protocols owing to the reduction in Covid-19 cases. So far, 930 exhibitors have registered for the mega event and the numbers are expected to rise beyond 1,000 in the days ahead.
Since relaxation in Covid protocols has generated greater interest in DefExpo 2022, Rajnath Singh extended the event by one day. The exhibition will now be held between March 10-14. It will facilitate defence business through three business days, making it inclusive for young entrepreneurs and college and school millennials of Gujarat during two public days.
The DefExpo 2022 will be held as a hybrid exhibition, with stalls in both physical and virtual realms. This will ensure greater engagement as the exhibitors will be able to cater to both physical and virtual attendees. The Raksha Mantri was briefed that virtual attendees could participate in seminars, interact with the exhibitors and representatives, hold Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings and also view product details and supporting videos.
The mega exhibition is being planned in a three-venue format; an exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Center (HEC), events and seminars at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC) and a live demonstration for the public at Sabarmati Riverfront.
Safety protocols such as compulsory wearing of face masks, hygiene and non-physical interactions will be implemented at all venues in line with the prevailing health protocols.
The theme of the event has been christened, ‘Path to Pride’. The event will showcase India's resolution to be the first amongst firsts. With indigenous technological and logistics prowess at the forefront, the event will invigorate the defence industry, start-ups and MSMEs to cement solid partnerships with attending foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
