Monday, February 7 2005 13:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: India today (Feb 07, 2005) asserted that it would encourage joint participation in Defence systems development and manufacturing in the country, while promoting the nation's private sector to build aviation products for cost efficiency and timely delivery.

"We would like to encourage joint participation in our Defence systems development, testing and manufacturing efforts, as long as the economics of such joint ventures are mutually beneficial, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in his presidential address at the inaugural of the Aero India 2005 International seminar in Bangalore.

"Equally important is an increasing Indian private industry role in the aviation products so that the best economics of cost and time can be achieved," Mukherjee said.

He cited the development of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile as an example of what can be "efficiently achieved by joint minds and efforts".

Mukherjee said that the Centre is committed to promoting overall growth in agriculture, defence, communication and infrastructure development".

"Aviation and aerospace endeavours lead to better infrastructure, regional development, job opportunities for the educated youth of the country and therefore good return on investment," he said.

Over 900 delegates are participating in the three-day seminar to discuss aerospace technologics development and strategies across the world. Delegates include from France, the UK, Israel, Britain, Germany and Canada who will present 63 technical papers under 12 sub-themes.