NEW DELHI, Sep 10: India and Russia are exploring opportunities to jointly manufacture civil passenger aircraft in India as the country looks to expand regional air connectivity and strengthen its domestic aviation industry.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu held discussions with Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov on Thursday on possible cooperation in aircraft manufacturing and related technologies.
The talks aim to take India-Russia aviation ties beyond the traditional buyer-seller relationship and towards joint production and greater industrial cooperation.
A major focus is the proposed localisation of Russia’s SJ-100 regional passenger aircraft in India. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation are working towards an agreement for local production, with the licensing process reportedly nearing completion.
Russia is also exploring cooperation with India on the IL-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft. Both aircraft could support India’s growing demand for regional air travel and help connect smaller cities and towns with larger urban centres.
The proposed cooperation could give a boost to India’s aircraft manufacturing ecosystem by creating opportunities for domestic component makers, engineering companies and maintenance service providers.
It could also support technology sharing, skill development and new employment opportunities in the aerospace sector. Greater local production would strengthen India’s efforts to build a more self-reliant aviation industry and reduce dependence on imported aircraft and components.
The discussions are taking place during the first INNOPROM India exhibition in New Delhi, where more than 120 Indian and Russian companies are showcasing their products and exploring new business opportunities.
The growing cooperation in civil aviation reflects the wider expansion of India-Russia economic ties and could open new opportunities in manufacturing, technology, investment and regional connectivity.
With India’s aviation market continuing to grow, joint aircraft production could become an important step towards developing a stronger domestic aerospace industry and creating new opportunities for Indian companies.