Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s 81st Annual General Meeting, which took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant occasion marks the return of the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) to India after 42 years, the last being held in 1983.
The summit, which runs from June 1 to June 3, has drawn over 1,600 people, including global aviation CEOs, top officials, and members of the international media.
In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s position as the world’s third-largest domestic civil aviation market. He hailed India’s aviation industry as a major global force with significant potential for international investment.
Infrastructure development remains a top priority, with the number of airports more than doubling to 162 from 74 in recent years. This expansion is part of a larger government initiative to improve connectivity and accelerate economic growth. PM Modi also emphasised the government’s desire to create India as a worldwide manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub by 2030.
This vision supports efforts such as Make in India, which seek to promote aviation-related sectors and drive industrial growth.
