India showcased its burgeoning domestic defence industry at a gathering of army chiefs and officials from 31 African nations on Wednesday, in a bold move to establish itself as a major player in the global arms trade.
India, the world’s largest arms importer has invested billions into its defence sector, determined to reduce its dependence on imports, particularly from Russia.
The African delegation present at the gathering included representatives from Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, among others, AFP reported.
According to officials, the focus of India’s Africa sales pitch is primarily defensive in nature, with a range of products including armoured vehicles, radars, and telecommunication equipment.
The event held in Pune, India’s primary defence manufacturing hub, featured a range of cutting-edge military equipment, including domestically produced helicopters, drones, and artillery. India’s simulated operation showcased the capabilities of its hardware, with commandos abseiling from helicopters and using armoured vehicles and bomb disposal robots. Other exhibits included assault rifles, artillery shells, and models of missiles.
“We are making equipment which is affordable and reliable,” said retired Indian army general VG Patankar, speaking to AFP at the event.
India’s efforts to increase its arms exports are particularly focused on poorer nations, unable to afford more expensive Western-made equipment. With less than 20 per cent of its arms exports currently going to Africa, India hopes to expand its reach on the continent. The country aims to more than double its annual arms exports to $5 billion in the coming years, up from about $1.7 billion currently.
India’s recent investment in its defence sector has yielded impressive results, including the opening of its largest helicopter manufacturing plant in February and the successful test-firing of a ballistic missile from its maiden domestic nuclear-powered submarine. The display of India’s military hardware at the event underscores the country’s determination to establish itself as a major global arms exporter, while continuing to strengthen its own defence capabilities.
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