India’s aerospace and aviation sector is entering a decisive phase of growth, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), defense manufacturing expansion, and enhanced global partnerships, industry experts stated at the International Conference on Future of Aviation and Aerospace (FOAA) held in Bengaluru on April 19, 2026.
The conference, hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in collaboration with TBS Education, brought together leading figures from the aerospace and aviation sectors, including industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. They emphasized the potential for significant expansion, fueled by AI integration, safety improvements, and efficiency upgrades. The discussions highlighted the necessity for India to evolve from being predominantly an assembly hub to focusing on high-value design, engineering, and lifecycle services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), to enhance long-term global competitiveness.
Co-chair G Shainesh remarked that the sector stands at a pivotal juncture, where strategic decisions will significantly influence future growth and India’s position on the global stage. His fellow co-chair, S Raghunath, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of building stronger design capabilities and enhancing India’s role in MRO and lifecycle intelligence.
Experts noted that the rising demand within the aviation sector presents substantial industrial opportunities, yet they cautioned that regulatory frameworks must adapt to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Annett Baessler highlighted the strengthening ties between India and Europe, referencing India’s memorandum of understanding with Lufthansa, which aims to bolster bilateral collaboration in the aviation sector. She further pointed out that India has become one of Airbus’s largest engineering hubs outside Europe, contributing significantly to commercial, defense, and space programs.
The increasing aircraft orders and the government’s Make in India initiative were cited as indicators of India’s growing global competitiveness in aerospace manufacturing. Baessler also mentioned the potential impact of the proposed EU–India Free Trade Agreement, which could enhance cooperation in MRO services, workforce development, and industrial integration.
Industry leaders, including Sunil Bhaskaran, noted that while India’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades in areas such as safety, technology, and customer service, the country’s aviation penetration remains relatively low, indicating substantial potential for future expansion. Bhaskaran emphasized that India’s key advantage lies in scaling its aviation value chain through the adoption of next-generation technologies, such as AI-driven systems and digital innovations.
As the conference concluded, experts expressed optimism that India’s aerospace and aviation sector is poised for a transformative phase. They believe that opportunities across manufacturing, design, engineering services, and global partnerships will shape the future trajectory of the industry. The focus on innovation and strategic collaboration is expected to enhance India’s standing as a formidable player in the global aerospace market.
IANS
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