At DefExpo, PM Modi says India will build defence corridors
Narendra Modi
Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers.
Amid fasting over the "washout" of the Budget session of Parliament, PM Modi today inaugurated theDefExpo at Mahabalipuram even aspolitical parties staged protestsover the Cauvery issue on Thursday.
Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan and other protesters were detained by police as they were protesting outside the airport when PM Modi arrived in Chennai.
The Cauvery issue has become the focal point of attention in the city even hitting the cricket IPL with the BCCI on Wednesday deciding to shift the venue for the Chennai matches due to the ongoing Cauvery agitation.
"Over 40 countries have sent their delegation to the event,"PM Modi said at the event, adding that India has one of the largest peacekeeping forces in the world.
"Commitment to peace is a commitment to our people,"the PM said while speaking at the event. "It is wonderful to see 500 firms at this Expo," the PM said.
"We are taking all steps to equip our forces,"he added.
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"We have increased FDI in defence to 49 per cent,"Modi said at the event, adding that India is committed to building defence corridors.
"The defence corridors will be made in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,"PM Modiinformed. "Make in India will boost innovation," he said.
"We encourage defence-based startups, we want to transform not tinker," PM Modi declared.
Speaking at the DefExpo,Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said50 per cent of Expo manufacturers consisted of Indians, most of them small and medium industries.
According to the Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms including 154 foreign manufacturers are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware.
It is being attended by official delegations from over 47 countries including the US, the UK, Russia, Afghanistan and Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam.
Heavy security measures have been put inplace in the city overPM Modi's visit.There were reports of protests near the airport in Alandur area.
Earlier this week, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers.
Rajinikanth had saidhe felt "embarrassed" that the IPL matches are being held in the city. The BCCI confirmed on Wednesday evening that Chennai will no longer host the IPL matches in the city as a result.