Defence Minister ?AK Antony on Wednesday said that the disturbed neighbourhood poses security challenges for the country.
Delivering the inaugural address at the 8th Aero India 2011 in Bangalore, Antony said that though India is a democratic and peace-loving country, the government is resolved to meet any challenge to its security and sovereignty.
Assuring that India?s defence expenditure would continue to grow in the next two decades, he said that the government would continue to encourage joint ventures for the development of the Aerospace Industry in the country.
He also noted with satisfaction that the major Indian Companies other than HAL have ventured into the sector.?
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Started a decade-and-a-half ago, Aero India has carved out a niche for itself and has acquired international recognition and prominence, he said.