Jaishankar, Naidu chart new roadmap for India–Europe aviation growth

In a high-level meeting held in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu engaged with the leadership of Airbus and IndiGo to explore new opportunities for India’s fast-growing civil aviation sector. The talks focused on India’s push for self-reliance, technology partnerships, and sustainability, while also highlighting how India’s transformation in infrastructure, economy, and governance offers strategic opportunities for global aviation stakeholders. Dr Jaishankar, in a social media post, called the discussions “fruitful,” while Kinjarapu described India as a “Vishwa Bandhu”, a trusted global partner gaining recognition worldwide through its talent and technology.

The ministers underlined India’s rapid growth and presented it as a chance for closer India–Europe collaboration. Airbus already sources components and services worth USD 1.2 billion annually from India, and is expected to scale up through the manufacturing of parts.

During the meeting, three main themes emerged. First, technology transfer and manufacturing partnerships, with India pushing for deeper local production and technology collaboration. Second, sustainability and green aviation, with a focus on aligning Airbus and IndiGo’s future plans with India’s climate-friendly growth path. Third, strengthening India–Europe links by combining Europe’s aerospace expertise with India’s expanding aviation market and manufacturing capabilities.

The engagement underlines India’s ambition to move beyond being just a growing aviation market to becoming a global hub for aerospace manufacturing, green aviation initiatives, and deeper strategic ties with Europe.