PM Modi Invites Global Investors to Join India’s Aviation Growth at Wings India 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on global investors to become long-term partners in India’s fast-growing civil aviation sector, positioning the country as an emerging aviation hub connecting the Global South to the world.

Addressing the Wings India 2026 summit in Hyderabad via video conference, PM Modi invited industry leaders to “join us as co-pilots on India’s flight to success,” highlighting unprecedented growth opportunities in aircraft manufacturing, pilot training, advanced air mobility, and aircraft leasing.

The Prime Minister noted that India has experienced a historic transformation over the past decade, evolving from an exclusive aviation club into the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.

Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 1,500 aircraft in recent years, while passenger traffic has expanded rapidly.

The country has more than doubled its airport infrastructure in a decade, growing from 70 airports in 2014 to over 160 today, with a vision to develop more than 400 airports by 2047.

PM Modi emphasised that India’s rising air travel demand is further supported by investments in tourism infrastructure, creating greater opportunities for investors.

Sectors such as aircraft manufacturing, pilot training, advanced air mobility, and aircraft leasing present immense potential for growth.

The government is working on the next phase of the UDAN scheme to expand regional and affordable air connectivity, including seaplane operations across the country.

While stressing self-reliance, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing capabilities in aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The country is already a major manufacturer and supplier of aircraft components and has begun producing military and transport aircraft domestically, now advancing into civil aircraft manufacturing.

India is also focusing on air cargo development, with regulatory reforms aimed at making cargo movement faster and more efficient.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who inaugurated the summit at Begumpet Airport, described Wings India 2026 as one of Asia’s most significant aviation events.

The government is confident that India can become a global exporter in civil aviation within the next 10 to 12 years.

The four-day event includes participation from 20 countries and global aviation leaders such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, alongside Indian carriers Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air.

Boeing projected that India and South Asia are poised for sustained aviation growth, with average annual passenger traffic expected to rise seven per cent over the next 20 years, requiring nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044.