‘Make in India’ drive gets a big push at two-day Coimbatore defence exhibition

“As our neighbouring countries China and Pakistan are accumulating weapons, India is also pushed to spend more on purchasing defence equipment. Local manufacturing of products may help reduce the defence budget considerably in future,” said Radhakrishnan. 

Speaking at the two-day ‘Defence Indigenisation Expo’, organised by the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia) that commenced on Monday, the former MP said if MSMEs successfully tap the opportunities in the defence sector, the economy of Coimbatore district too would grow significantly. 

At the expo, more than 400 products were displayed in around 30 stalls at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex. 

Stating that the state government has been lending full support to the central government in implementing projects, Radhakrishnan said growth can be achieved only if the state and central governments work in tandem. “Parties may have political motives, but primarily they should only work towards economic prosperity,” he said. 

Radhakrishnan said, “Similar to those countries that have prospered by making defence products, India should also attain economic growth.” 

“Secrets may never get leaked as rumoured, if defence products are manufactured locally, unlike those outsourced to foreign countries. Industrialists in Coimbatore are known for their quality products,” he said. 

The Army, Navy and Air Force, besides public sector undertakings such as HAL, BEML, BEL, BDL, ordnance factory board and DRDO displayed components that can be made by the industries here. Members of various industrial associations and officials from government undertakings participated in the inaugural event.