ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was seen testing hisshooting skills in a virtual firing range at the ongoing DefExpo 2020 inLucknow. Photos and videos of PM Modi holding an assault rifle and takingaim has gone viral.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is seen admiring Modi as hetook the rifle in his hands. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wasalso seen in photos trying out a gun.
Hard selling India as an attractive investment destination, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on Wednesday set a target of USD 5 billion worth of militaryexports in the next five years and invited global defense majors to set upmanufacturing hubs in the country.
Inaugurating the 11th edition of DefExpo, the prime minister said India issignificantly boosting its military might and even increasing presence inouter space responsibly.
“Our mantra is Make in India, for India, for the world. In 2014 the exportof defense equipment from India was about Rs 2,000 crore. In the last 2years, it has gone up to Rs 17,000 crore.
In the next five years our target is export of USD 5 billion, which isabout Rs 35,000 crore,” the prime minister said.
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At the same time, he said that strengthening of military prowess was notaimed at any country and asserted that India has always been a reliablepartner of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The five-day DefExpo — India’s biennial exhibition of military platformsand weapons — is being attended by 38 defense ministers and top executivesof 172 foreign defense majors and 856 Indian companies.
Talking about the neighborhood, Modi said India not only focuses on its ownsecurity but also considers it a responsibility to help countries in theregion deal with key challenges and ensure regional peace and development.
