Addressing the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global aviation companies to embrace ‘Design in India’ alongside ‘Make in India,’ while spotlighting India’s strides in empowering women in aviation and drone technology.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 81st Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Delhi, emphasizing India’s growing aviation sector and its commitment to innovation and gender inclusivity. Calling for global aviation companies to adopt ‘Design in India’ alongside the ‘Make in India’ initiative, he highlighted the country’s potential as a hub for aviation manufacturing and innovation. Modi also showcased India’s achievements, noting that over 15% of pilots in India are women—triple the global average—and emphasized the role of drones in empowering women-led self-help groups.
‘Design in India’ to Boost Aviation Innovation
PM Modi urged aviation companies to not only manufacture in India but also invest in designing cutting-edge aviation technologies locally. “My appeal is that alongside ‘Make in India,’ all aviation companies should also focus on ‘Design in India,’” he said. This push aligns with India’s ambition to become a global leader in aviation, leveraging its growing domestic market, which is the third-largest in the world, according to IATA. Modi highlighted that India’s aviation sector has grown significantly, with over 150 operational airports and plans to double this number in the next decade. The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, has connected tier-2 and tier-3 cities, making air travel accessible to millions, with over 12 crore passengers benefiting in the last eight years.
Women Leading the Skies
Modi celebrated India’s strides in gender inclusivity, noting that over 15% of pilots in the country are women, compared to the global average of 5%. “This is a testament to India’s progressive approach in aviation,” he said, crediting initiatives like the government’s focus on skill development and equal opportunities. Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have actively recruited women pilots, with IndiGo reporting that 14% of its cockpit crew are female as of 2024. Aviation expert Captain Anjali Sharma remarked, “India’s emphasis on women in aviation is inspiring. It’s not just about numbers but creating a culture of empowerment.”
Drones Empowering Rural Women
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformative role of drones in empowering women-led self-help groups (SHGs). “India is using drones to strengthen women’s SHGs, enhancing their participation in agriculture, delivery, and services,” Modi said. The Namo Drone Didi scheme, launched in 2023, has trained over 10,000 women to operate drones for tasks like crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and last-mile delivery. This initiative has boosted rural economies and provided women with new income streams. A 2024 study by the Ministry of Rural Development found that drone-trained SHGs reported a 20% increase in productivity in agriculture-related activities.
India’s Aviation Growth and Sustainability Goals
Modi reiterated India’s commitment to sustainable aviation, aligning with IATA’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He noted that Indian airlines are adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and modernizing fleets with fuel-efficient aircraft. The government’s investment in airport infrastructure, including new terminals with green certifications, underscores this focus. “India is not just growing its aviation sector but doing so responsibly,” Modi said. IATA Director General Willie Walsh praised India’s progress, stating, “India’s aviation market is a powerhouse, and its focus on sustainability and inclusivity sets a global benchmark.”
A Vision for Global Collaboration
Modi called for stronger international collaboration to address challenges like supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs. He emphasized India’s role as a reliable partner, with its aviation sector projected to add 300 new aircraft by 2030, according to a report by Agency. The Prime Minister’s address resonated with industry leaders, who see India as a key player in shaping the future of global aviation.