In a significant push to bolster India's aviation sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended a compelling invitation to global aviation companies and investors. Speaking from Hyderabad, the Prime Minister called for strategic partnerships in critical areas such as aircraft manufacturing, pilot training, advanced air mobility solutions, and aircraft leasing. This appeal comes as India solidifies its position as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, entering a transformative phase of aviation-led economic expansion.
A Vision for Global Collaboration
During a recorded video message at the inaugural session of Wings India 2026, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's unique advantages. He highlighted the nation's unparalleled scale, political stability, and ambitious technological aspirations as key factors that make it an attractive destination for aviation investment. "I invite investors from around the world to join us as co-pilots on India's flight to success," Modi declared, advocating for long-term partnerships that would not only benefit India but also contribute to global aviation growth and innovation.
Shadow Over the Inauguration
However, the opening day of the prestigious event was marred by a tragic development. A major crisis unfolded when Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's aircraft crashed on Wednesday morning. This unfortunate incident cast a somber shadow over the proceedings, disrupting the scheduled activities and affecting participation. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, who had inaugurated the static exhibition area earlier in the day, was unable to attend the main inauguration ceremony due to the unfolding situation. Similarly, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, who was slated to address the inaugural session, did not participate in the event.
Driving Towards Self-Reliance in Aviation
In his address, Prime Minister Modi underscored the critical importance of achieving self-reliance in the aviation domain. He pointed to ongoing initiatives aimed at building robust domestic capabilities across the entire aviation value chain. This includes advancements in aircraft design, manufacturing, and comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Modi articulated a clear progression, noting that India is transitioning from being a supplier of aircraft parts to manufacturing military and transport aircraft, with the ultimate goal of producing civil aircraft indigenously.
Embracing Green Aviation and Logistics Reforms
The Prime Minister also spotlighted emerging opportunities in sustainable aviation technologies. He specifically mentioned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), projecting India as a future hub for the production and export of green aviation fuel. Furthermore, Modi outlined plans for comprehensive reforms in air cargo operations, digital platforms, off-airport processing, and modern warehousing infrastructure. These measures are designed to significantly reduce logistics costs and support India's ambition to become a competitive global transshipment hub. He urged investors to channel funds into warehousing, freight forwarding, express logistics, and e-commerce logistics to capitalize on these opportunities.
Decade of Inclusive Growth and Infrastructure Expansion
Crediting a decade of focused policy implementation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted how air travel has become more inclusive across India. The UDAN regional connectivity scheme has been instrumental in this transformation, enabling approximately 15 million passengers to fly on routes that were previously non-existent. The government is now preparing the next phase of UDAN to further strengthen affordable regional air links, including the expansion of seaplane operations to enhance connectivity to remote and coastal areas.
On the infrastructure front, Modi presented impressive statistics showcasing India's rapid aviation development. The number of operational airports has surged from 70 in 2014 to more than 160 today, with over 100 aerodromes activated to support regional connectivity. Looking ahead, India has set an ambitious target of developing more than 400 airports by 2047, with tourism expected to be a major driver of demand. Reflecting the sector's robust growth, Indian carriers have placed orders for more than 1,500 aircraft in recent years, signaling sustained demand and long-term confidence in the market's potential.
