more-in The Ministry of Defence is yet to decide on the venue and dates for the next edition of air show — Aero India 2019, said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman here on Saturday. Addressing presspersons after a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to discuss transfer of defence land for infrastructure development projects of Bengaluru, the Minister said several States have been requesting to consider holding the show in their cities. Replying to queries regarding media reports that the Ministry of Defence was considering moving the air show to the Bakshi Ka Talab air force base in Lucknow, the Minister said: “There is no announcement made as yet on the air show by the Ministry.” Asked if the show will continue in Bengaluru, she refused to make any commitment. “We are yet to decide. This is similar to how the Defence Expo was held more than ten times in New Delhi before being shifted to Goa and recently to Tamil Nadu. A final call will be taken soon,” she said. Mr. Kumaraswamy, who was also present at the press conference, said Karnataka had already requested the Defence Ministry to continue the show in Bengaluru. “We will again request the Defence Minister in this regard and hopeful she will consider our request,” he added. The biennial air show, which Bengaluru has been hosting since 1996, has grown over the years and is now considered as one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Asia. Several foreign and domestic defence sector firms display their products, including fighter jets and helicopters at the event held at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru.

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