<span style="color: #222222;">The 12th edition of the biennial Defence Expo began in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat today. Live demonstrations showcasing the equipment and skill set of the Armed Forces, DPSUs and Industry will be held during the five-day event.<br />''<br />''The theme of Defexpo 2022 is 'Path to Pride' in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a strong and self-reliant nation.<br />''<br />''The first-ever 'Invest for Defence', from the Ministry of Defence, targeted to promote investment in the defence sector in the country will also be held in the expo.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports that over 50 startups will showcase their products at the pavilion. For the first time, states and union territories have been invited to set up pavilions at the event and several have confirmed their participation.<br />''<br />''<br />''Moreover, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined India's commitment to explore new areas of convergence for defence engagements with African countries.  The Minister was addressing the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) which was held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat today. Defence Ministers, and other high ranking officials from 50 African countries participated in the Dialogue.<br />''<br />''Delivering the keynote address,  Mr. Singh termed India and African countries as important stakeholders in ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment, especially in the Indian Ocean Region.<br />''<br />''Stating that India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years, the defense minister invited African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies. He told his African counterparts that Indian defence industry can work with them to fulfil their defence requirements.<br />''<br />''Mr. Rajnath Singh also called for the democratisation of global world order. He said that world's multilateral forums should be reflective of the change in global realities. A more representative UN Security Council will provide it with greater legitimacy.<br />''<br />''The Gandhinagar Declaration was adopted as an outcome document of IADD 2022. It proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of training in all areas of mutual interest. This would be done by increasing training slots, deputation of training teams, capability building of the defence forces of Africa, participation in exercises and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. India offered fellowship for experts from African countries through Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis.</span><br />