Nursing ambitions of becoming a global player in the field of aeronautics, India sought to raise its profile by clinching deals with global players at the Aero India 2003 exposition in New Delhi.

The exposition, one of Asia's top airshows, concluded on Sunday, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited having much to show for.

The public sector aerospace major bagged orders from global majors Snecma, Rolls-Royce and Irkut. It has floated a joint venture with Snecma for producing small aero engines for civil aircraft besides joining hands with Snecma's subsidiary Turbomeca to jointly develop 'Shakti' engine for the Advance Light Helicopters.

It also struck a deal with Israel Aircraft Industry to jointly market HAL globally with IAI avionics. HAL  and its with its Russian partners will co-design and co-develope multi-role transport aircraft for cargo applications at an estimated cost of US$ 250 million on an equal sharing basis.

India also familiarised itself on the high levels of skill, design, manufacturing and overhauling available in the field of military aviation at the international level.

As many as 176 companies from 22 countries participated in the exposition, which was marked by awesome aeropower display by Indian and foreign aircraft, with Light Combat Aircraft attracting large crowds.

There was also a breath-taking display of aerial acrobatics by the Indian Air Force's 'Surya Kiran' --- one of the three aircraft teams using nine aircraft in aerobatic manoeuvres.

Ignoring the scorching heat, thousands of people flocked to the air show on the last two days, causing traffic snarls in almost the entire stretch of road from the city to the venue on the outskirts.

The next edition of the Aero India show will be held in February 2005.