Mr Rai acknowledged France’s condolences over the attack and emphasised that the partnership between the two nations is evolving into a broader collaboration involving technology, industry, and defence forces
The Milipol India 2025 Expo and Conference on Defence and Homeland Security opened with strong messages of strategic cooperation, technology collaboration, and counter-terrorism solidarity between India and France. The three-day event, organised by PHDCCI in association with Interads Exhibition and COMEXPOSIUM, is being held from 23rd to 25th April 2025 at Yashobhoomi, IICC, Dwarka, New Delhi. It has been supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the French Ministry of Interior.
Speaking at the conference, Mr Nityanand Rai, Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India, expressed India’s strong commitment to combatting terrorism. Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “The Modi government is working with a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. India is committed to eliminating terrorism from the world in collaboration and solidarity with other nations, and we are making every possible effort to ensure that terrorism comes to an end.”
Mr Rai acknowledged France’s condolences over the attack and emphasised that the partnership between the two nations is evolving into a broader collaboration involving technology, industry, and defence forces. He said, “France considers India a key market, and this Milipol expo and conference is going to elevate industry, security forces, technology, and business collaborations between both countries to a higher level under one platform.”
Highlighting the growing Indo-French relationship, Mr Rai shared updates on key bilateral developments, including the opening of a DRDO office in France and the deployment of specially trained Indian dogs to the 2024 Paris Olympics for anti-sabotage and counter-terrorism operations. He also mentioned the successful launch of UPI at the Eiffel Tower and discussions with French merchants on expanding digital payment infrastructure.
Mr Francois-Noel Buffet, Minister attached to the Ministre d’Etat, Ministry of Interior of France, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “France stands with India in its fight against terrorism.” He noted that France currently has EUR 10 billion invested in India and expressed interest in increasing Indian investments in France. He also reaffirmed France’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
Mr Sanjeev Kumar Jindal, Additional Secretary (PM & DM), Ministry of Home Affairs, acknowledged the growing complexity of India’s internal security landscape and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. “Our basic priority is to get advanced technology to fight these diverse threats,” he said, emphasising the need for collaboration and innovation to equip Indian forces effectively.
Mr M K Gupta, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Defence & HLS Committee and Managing Director of Star Wire (India) Ltd., spoke on the need to integrate industry, government, and international partners. “India today is building a future-ready security framework — one that embraces technology, collaboration, and local innovation,” he stated. He described Milipol India as a platform to strengthen synergies between stakeholders and foster joint research and technology exchange.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Vaibhav Gupta, Co-Chair of PHDCCI’s Defence & HLS Committee, who said, “Milipol India 2025 has truly set a benchmark in promoting international collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge homeland security innovations.”
The event saw participation from more than 180 international exhibitors and over 5,000 security professionals from both public and private sectors. It also featured national pavilions and cutting-edge homeland security technology displays. Key attendees included Mr Rajan Sharma, President & Director of Interads Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd; Mr Hamad Salem Al Ameri, CEO of CARACAL; and H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
Milipol India 2025 continues to serve as a critical forum for addressing emerging security challenges and building strategic partnerships for a safer future.
