India wants a bigger slice of the global arms trade

India wants a bigger slice of the global arms trade, on Monday prime minister Narendra Modi set a goal to treble defense exports within a year or two, he spoke while opening the Aero India Trade Fair.
Modi wants the country to hit 5 billion dollars in exports, for decades India had been one of the world’s biggest importers of Defense gear, but it now wants to be a major exporter, it’s already sold helicopters to countries including the Philippines and cruise missiles made in a joint venture with Russia, now local firms are hoping to sign deals worth about nine billion dollars at the five-day Aero India event.

Global arms makers still have their eyes on the Indian market though sharing borders with nuclear-armed Rivals China and Pakistan the country’s Air Force is seen in desperate need of modernization there’s also pressure to reduce dependence on Russian suppliers following the start of conflict in Ukraine, major players including Boeing and Lockheed Martin are all at the show hoping to drum up sales.
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The five-day event will include aerial displays by aircraft and helicopters along with a large exhibition and trade fair for aerospace and defence companies.