» Why India

Why India?

India has always been regarded as a major geopolitical influence, but its development and progress had, for many years, been inhibited by a variety of mainly internal factors. The economic reforms of the early 1990s has gradually unleashed India’s economy, and with it, a sustained augmentation and modernisation of India’s maritime and naval force projection capability - commensurate with its current standing as a major world power, and anticipated position as a 21st century superpower.

India today has the world's fastest growing navy, as well as a flourishing maritime industry, and is one of the largest spenders on new defence and security systems to safeguard its sea-based, littoral and coastal assets. The country is placing a significant emphasis on the development of its maritiime security infrastructure and capabilities, with a considerable requirement for new, cutting edge solutions for the country's shipping companies, ports, its navy and coast guard.

These requirements - in addition to the wider current international interest in India’s maritime, defence and national security sectors -are key factors that make MSI 2008 highly relevant and timely for India, its key international allies, and for the global maritime and national security industry.