PM Modi at the inauguration ceremony of Defence Expo2018 in Mahabalipuram, TamilNadu lauded the success of the event as 500 Indian companies along with 150 foreign companies are participating.

“Wonderful to see those more than 500 Indian companies & over 150 foreign companies are here. More than 40 countries have sent their official delegations as well”, PM Modi said.

“I am very happy to be here in the land of the great Cholas who established India's historical civilization links through trade & education” PM Modi greeted all participants in Mahabalipuram, TamilNadu

 Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed that 50 percent of this Expo has Indian manufacturers and most of them small and medium industries.

PM Modi asserted that though India is a peace loving country but to protect people and territory well-equipped our Armed Forces are essential.

“Our commitment to peace is as strong as our commitment to protecting our people and our territory. For this, we are ready to take all necessary measures to equip our Armed Forces, including through the establishment of a strategically independent defence industrial complex”.

“We will establish 2 Defence Industrial Corridors, One in TamilNadu and another in UP. These will utilize defence manufacturing ecosystems in the regions and further build upon it”, PM Narendra Modi added.

The issue of providing bullet-proof jackets to Indian soldiers was kept hanging for years, PM Modi here assured that the process regarding this to a successful conclusion with a contract that will provide a boost to defence manufacturing in India.