India's largest-ever DefExpo concludes

QUEPEM: The largest-ever DefExpo hosted by India concluded here today with over 1,000 firms from across the world taking part in the event which saw small protests by locals and some teething troubles, including a lack of proper facilities.

About 1,055 companies, with Indian companies outnumbering foreign firms, over 900 delegations and 47 countries participated in the event, which was themed on the 'Make in India' initiative.

A Defence Ministry statement said scores of people came from around Goa to attend the exhibition today, when it was open to public.

"The largest response to the exhibition was from the local population," the ministry said.

However, the event also saw some protests by locals who had objections over the venue chosen for hosting it.

A drive through Quepem taluka saw protesters wearing black clothes and holding placards against the event. "Don't turn Goa into a arms hub', 'No DefExpo' were some of the slogans written on the placards.

For the first two days, cars with DefExpo stickers were not allowed to drive through the nearby villages as a security measure.

However, the event ran smoothly without any incident. But foreign delegates and domestic exhibitors did face some issues at the venue itself.