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India exploring joint manufacturing of defence equipment,

military deals at show

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Russian Su-57 and US F-35 fighter jets on display

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India has been increasing defence purchases from Western

countries

By Shivam Patel and Abhijith Ganapavaram

BENGALURU, Feb 10 (Reuters) - India is committed to

boosting manufacturing and exports of defence equipment in the

coming years, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday at

the opening of the country's biggest air show, where its

military ambitions will be in focus.

India, the world's largest arms importer, has stressed the

need to modernise its military and boost domestic defence

production to counter rival China's growing military strength

and influence in South Asia.

India's domestic defence manufacturing value will reach more

than 1.25 trillion rupees ($14.24 billion) in the fiscal year

ending in March, while its defence exports will cross a record

210 billion rupees for the first time over the same period,

Singh said.

"We are fully committed to significantly increase these

numbers in the coming years," he said at the show, which kicked

off with the country's fighter jets flying past in formations

across a clear sky.

New Delhi aims to explore possible joint production of

defence equipment and to scout for billions of dollars worth of

military deals at the biennial Aero India aerospace exhibition

that began on Monday in the southern city of Bengaluru.

More than 150 foreign companies are participating in the

event that runs through Friday, while defence ministers or

representatives from about 30 countries were expected to arrive,

according to India's defence ministry.

Two Russian and U.S. fifth-generation advanced stealth

fighter jets will also be displayed at the event - the Russian

Su-57 and Lockheed Martin's ( LMT ) F-35 Lightning II, the

defence ministry said.

"The inclusion of both the Su-57 and F-35 highlights India's

position as a key hub for international defence and aerospace

collaboration," the ministry said. "Aero India 2025 will provide

a rare side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western

fifth-generation fighter technology".

Over the past decade, India has steadily increased defence

acquisitions from Western nations to diversify its supplies

after traditional defence partner Russia was hobbled by the war

in Ukraine.

The U.S. embassy in India said more than two dozen American

exhibitors will engage Indian counterparts and explore new

business opportunities at the event.