Intro: Both countries are exploring joint civil aircraft manufacturing as New Delhi seeks stronger regional connectivity and deeper aerospace industrial cooperation.
New Delhi
India and Russia are exploring deeper cooperation in civil aviation, including joint manufacturing of passenger aircraft, as New Delhi seeks to expand regional air connectivity and build a stronger domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held discussions on Thursday with Russia’s Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov on opportunities for joint production and industrial cooperation. Naidu said India and Russia have an opportunity to move their aviation relationship beyond a traditional buyer-seller model towards joint manufacturing.
The discussions come amid growing demand for aircraft serving regional routes across India. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation have previously signed an initial agreement for licensed joint production and support of the Superjet SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. Localisation discussions are reportedly nearing completion.
Potential arrangements also include deliveries of 105 regional turboprop aircraft to Indian operators, including Pinnacle Air, Air Kerala and Sleek Aviation.
Russia showcased the SJ-100, MC-21 and Il-114-300 aircraft at the Innoprom event in New Delhi, highlighting their potential role in India’s expanding regional aviation market.
The engagement also signals Russia’s efforts to broaden industrial cooperation with India beyond defence platforms such as MiG and Sukhoi fighter aircraft.
Meanwhile, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer also discussed its Make in India plans and collaboration opportunities with Naidu.
The growing interest from international aircraft manufacturers reflects India’s expanding aviation market and manufacturing ambitions. The government said confidence among global original equipment manufacturers in India’s aerospace ecosystem is encouraging, particularly as Indian companies increasingly participate in global aviation supply chains.