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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence at the National Skill Training Institute in Kanpur.
PM Modi unveiled the initiative during a joint press engagement with Emmanuel Macron while launching the India-France Year of Innovation and related cooperation programmes.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the Centre will function under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will implement the scheme.
The Government of France will collaborate in setting up the institution.
The Prime Minister stated that the proposed Centre in Kanpur will provide advanced technical training in aeronautics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations.
He added that it will also offer specialised instruction in airport management, defence production and related disciplines.
PM Modi emphasised that the institution will operate as a world-class training hub to strengthen India’s aviation skills ecosystem.
He stated that it will also support the swift expansion of the aerospace and defence industries.
Strengthening Strategic Skills Partnership
Jayant Chaudhary affirmed that the PM-SETU scheme is modernising India’s Industrial Training Institute network.
He stated that the reform is strengthening the country’s vocational training framework.
Chaudhary said the Kanpur Centre will create a strong pool of globally competitive aviation professionals. He added that it will also strengthen technology cooperation with France.
The Prime Minister underscored that the initiative aligns domestic skill development with global benchmarks.
PM Modi reiterated the government’s resolve to equip young Indians for emerging prospects in aeronautics, defence and advanced manufacturing.
Officials exchanged a Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the French government to formalise collaboration under PM-SETU.
The move reinforces the wider India–France Strategic Partnership. It builds on the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on vocational education and training.
The partnership will include jointly structured curricula, trainer development programmes, periodic assessments, exchange initiatives, language instruction and organised mobility pathways.
Both nations will also cooperate in aeronautics, space and associated sectors.
The Letter of Intent records mutual commitment and will lead to a comprehensive agreement specifying implementation details.
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