Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that India is steadily emerging as a major aviation gateway connecting the Global South with the rest of the world.
PM Modi highlighted that the transformation of India’s aviation sector is opening wide opportunities for investors, manufacturers, and global partners.
Addressing the Wings India 2026 programme in Hyderabad through video conferencing, PM Modi welcomed industry leaders, investors, and aviation experts.
He said ambition and innovation are driving the next phase of global aviation, with India emerging as a central engine of growth.
Prime Minister Modi underlined that India offers strong prospects in aircraft manufacturing, advanced air mobility, aircraft leasing, and pilot training.
He said these segments are gaining momentum as the country scales its aviation ecosystem.
PM Modi noted that India’s aviation sector has witnessed a historic shift over the last decade. He said air travel has moved from being limited to a few to becoming accessible for millions.
India has now become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.
Passenger traffic continues to rise, and Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 1,500 aircraft in recent years.
PM Modi attributed this growth to a clear long-term policy vision. He said the government focused on inclusivity, aiming to make air travel affordable and widely available.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India had 70 airports in 2014. Today, the country has more than 160 airports, reflecting rapid infrastructure expansion.
PM Modi said over 100 aerodromes have been operationalised, supported by the UDAN scheme. He noted that UDAN has enabled nearly 15 million passengers to travel on regional routes, many of which did not exist earlier.
The Prime Minister said India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation will significantly increase air connectivity.
He projected that by 2047, India would have over 400 airports. PM Modi added that the next phase of UDAN, along with expanded seaplane services, will further improve regional access.
PM Modi stressed that India is strengthening aircraft design, manufacturing, and MRO capabilities.
He said India already supplies critical aircraft components and manufactures military and transport aircraft, while civil aircraft production is advancing.
The Prime Minister also emphasised air cargo growth. He said regulatory reforms aim to make cargo movement faster and more efficient.
PM Modi urged investors to explore opportunities in warehousing, logistics, freight forwarding, and e-commerce, positioning India as a competitive global transhipment hub.
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