India should become a value chain leader: PM Modi at IATA AGM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that India should not just be seen as a growing aviation market, but as a rising leader in international trade and supply chain management, especially in the aviation sector. Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, Modi highlighted India’s rapid advancements and strategic ambitions in global trade and supply chain management.

India currently holds the title of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation market and ranks third globally, behind only the US and China. With a massive fleet expansion on the horizon, domestic carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have already placed orders exceeding 2,000 aircraft demonstrating strong confidence in India’s future aviation growth.

To support this expansion, the government is strengthening allied sectors like EXIM in supply chain and aircraft maintenance. "In 2014, India had just 96 MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities). Today, that number has grown to 154," Modi stated, adding that the country is aiming to become a $4 billion MRO hub.

These developments position India as a crucial player in international trade supply chain frameworks, with far-reaching impacts on both regional and global connectivity.