Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez recently inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, marking India’s first private military aircraft plant. The facility, a partnership between Airbus and Tata, will produce C-295 planes for the Indian Air Force. This move is part of Modi’s vision to establish India as an industrial powerhouse and stimulate investment in the country.
Sanchez praised Modi’s efforts to strengthen India’s aerospace industry and attract international business collaborations. The inauguration of the Tata Aircraft Complex signifies a significant milestone in the development of India’s defence sector. The partnership with Airbus is expected to bring new skills and industries to India, positioning the country as a key player in the global aerospace market.
Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described the inauguration as a historic moment, crediting Ratan Tata for conceiving the idea over a decade ago. The partnership with Airbus involves a €2.3 billion deal, with the production of 40 aircraft in Vadodara. The first C-295 plane from India is expected to be delivered in 2026, showcasing the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has prioritized making India a manufacturing hub and boosting private defence production. The inauguration of the Tata Aircraft Complex aligns with Modi’s goal of modernizing India’s defence sector and facilitating foreign investments. The plant will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities and promoting technological advancements.
Sanchez’s visit to India is the first by a Spanish leader in 18 years, underlining the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries. During the visit, discussions between Sanchez and Modi will focus on trade, IT, renewable energy, and defence agreements. The visit is also expected to strengthen economic ties and foster collaborations in various sectors between India and Spain.
India-Spain trade has been steadily growing, reaching nearly €9.2 billion in 2023. The presence of over 200 Spanish companies in India and around 80 Indian firms in Spain highlights the strong economic partnership between the two nations. The Tata Aircraft Complex inauguration and Sanchez’s visit underscore the commitment to expanding bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
