New Delhi, February 03, 2006 (PTI)

THE stalls of American aviation giant Lockheed Martin and Israel were adjudged the best at the Defence Expo 06 which concluded in the Capital today. The new Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh hoped the event would reach greater heights next year.

The runner-up trophy in the international segment was bagged by French naval company Armaris.

The awards have been instituted for the first time by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which is co-hosting the exposition with the Ministry of Defence.

The stall of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). laid out on a Greek theme, was adjudged the best among Indian pavilions followed by Larsen & Toubro.

In the small-scale enterprises category, Macmet India was adjudged the best followed by Windlass Steelcraft.

The jury comprised eminent experts of the likes of Professor Subir Sahara, Director School of Planning and Architecture, Professor M K Das, Head of Industrial Design, IIT, Delhi, S H Khan, Senior General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and A Khosla, Director (Infrastructure) CII.

Commenting on the new offset policy, the Minister said this would lead to greater interaction between Indian and international defence companies.

He said the government was committed to allow both private and public sector units a level playing field. Also present on the occasion were Defence Secretary Shekar Dutt and Defence Production Secretary K P Singh.