DefExpo: In a major development, the Northeast will host the region’s first-ever defense tech expo, showcasing the latest weapons, vehicles, and other equipment. Assam’s capital city, Guwahati, is gearing up to host the event in October.
A review meeting regarding the preparations was held between the Assam government and the top Army officials here on Friday (August 11), state Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah said.
“Held a meeting along with GoC-in-C, Eastern Command Lt. Commander R Kalita, to review the proposed defense expo, Defense East Tech 2023, scheduled to be held for the first time in the North East on the 10th and 11th of October 2023 at Maniram Dewan Trade Center, Guwahati,” Borah wrote on X, previously known as Twitter.
The Minister said that this will be the first-ever defense technology exhibition showcasing cutting-edge weapons, vehicles, and tech solutions ranging from assault rifles to military drones.
Over 200 indigenous manufacturers, startups, and MSMEs will participate in the expo.
“This programme aligns with Hon’ble PM Adarniya Shri @narendramodi Ji’s #AatmaNirbhar Campaign realising the vision of a ‘Self-Reliant India’ and aims to promote and strengthen India’s domestic industries, especially in critical sectors like defence,” Borah said.
The expo is also expected to have a ripple effect by furthering the industrial development of the sector in the state and providing an opportunity to bring in investment and create jobs, the minister added.
India’s “biggest ever” defense exhibition, DefExpo 2022, was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in October. The theme of the event was ‘Path to Pride’.