By Staff Correspondent
The European Union-India Aviation Summit has soared to new heights in New Delhi, with promising partnerships and collaborations in focus. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Eurocontrol signed a declaration of intent, while the European Union Aviation Safety and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) signed a memorandum of understanding for closer cooperation. The summit highlighted shared challenges and opportunities, including post-COVID air traffic recovery, sustainability, safety, and the development of unmanned aircraft systems.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, addressed the summit virtually, highlighting the strong historical relations between India and the EU, which have continued to grow, aided by the aviation industry. Scindia invited EU players to tap into the world’s fastest-growing aviation market by partnering with India to develop adaptive technologies and support the objective of tackling emissions from the aviation industry. He emphasized the government’s steps to promote aircraft manufacturing in the country, including a reformed regulatory environment and reduced Goods and ServicesvTax (GST) rates on Maintainence, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services from 18% to 5%.
Adina Vălean, EU Commissioner for Transport, addressed the summit virtually, highlighting the successful history of partnership and cooperation between the EU and India in many areas. She expressed hope that aviation would become one of the most successful partnerships.
Andreas Carlson, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Sweden, also addressed the summit, expressing confidence in the bright future of even stronger cooperation and collaboration between the EU and India. The Secretary Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rajiv Bansal, highlighted the rapid growth of the Indian aviation sector and a renewed focus on innovation as India prepares for better infrastructure and connectivity.
This summit marks the beginning of a promising journey between India and the EU, with multiple opportunities for collaboration and cooperation in various areas.
