Hyderabad : India, France Explore Deeper Aviation Cooperation During Aviation Summit
Hyderabad : India and France have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, with a renewed focus on connectivity, technology, and long-term sectoral growth. The discussions took place during a meeting between Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and visiting French Minister for Transport Philippe Tabarot, underscoring the strategic depth of ties between the two countries.
Focus on Strengthening Air Connectivity
The talks centred on enhancing aerial connectivity as a means of reinforcing the long-standing strategic partnership between India and France. Both ministers exchanged perspectives on how improved air links can support trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, while also aligning with broader economic and diplomatic objectives shared by the two nations.
Cooperation on Emerging Aviation Technologies
A key theme of the meeting was collaboration on next-generation aviation solutions. Naidu highlighted opportunities for joint work in areas such as sustainable aviation fuel and advanced air mobility, which are increasingly seen as critical to addressing urban congestion and the sharp rise in air travel demand. These technologies, he noted, could help make future growth more environmentally responsible while meeting the needs of rapidly expanding cities.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The engagement comes ahead of an expected visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron in February, a trip that is anticipated to further elevate bilateral relations. New Delhi is also preparing to host the AI Impact Summit, adding a wider technology and innovation backdrop to the ongoing India–France dialogue across multiple sectors.
Emphasis on Skills and Workforce Development
Following the meeting, Naidu underscored the importance of building a strong aviation skilling and training ecosystem as a central pillar of cooperation with France. In a message shared on social media, he linked this goal to India’s ambition to emerge as a global aviation hub under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He indicated that structured training partnerships could support workforce readiness as the sector continues to scale.
Meeting Held Alongside Wings India 2026
The interaction between the two ministers took place on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, a major civil aviation event being held in Hyderabad from 28 to 31 January 2026. The event is hosted at Begumpet Airport and has drawn significant domestic and international attention.
Theme and Vision of the Event
Wings India 2026 is organised around the theme “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future – From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability.” The programme is designed to showcase India’s rapidly expanding aviation ecosystem, its growing global engagement, and its aspirations to become a hub for manufacturing, services, innovation, and sustainable aviation solutions.
Wide-Ranging Participation and Activities
The event features a large international exhibition, static aircraft displays, flying and aerobatic shows, and a high-level global conference. It also includes CEO roundtables, business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, an aviation job fair, and an awards ceremony, alongside cultural programmes. Organisers expect participation from across the world, reinforcing Wings India’s standing as a key global aviation forum.
Representation Across the Aviation Value Chain
Stakeholders attending the event span the entire aviation value chain, including airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, maintenance and repair organisations, airport developers, original equipment manufacturers, technology providers, training institutions, and service partners. Their presence reflects the sector’s diversity and the increasing international interest in India’s aviation growth story.