PM Modi Addresses IATA’s 81st AGM in Delhi: India Poised to Lead Global Aviation Growth.
India now the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market; PM pitches India as top investment hub at World Air Transport Summit.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today delivered a visionary keynote address at the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the plenary session of the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), hosted at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Marking a historic return of the IATA AGM to India after 42 years, the event drew over 1,600 global aviation leaders, government officials, and media representatives.
In a speech that blended ambition with actionable reforms, PM Modi positioned India as a “leading force in the global space-aviation convergence,” while highlighting the nation’s tremendous growth in civil aviation and its emergence as a vital hub for investment, innovation, and sustainability in the aviation sector.
“Today’s India is confident and future-ready”
Welcoming delegates from across the globe, PM Modi underscored how far India has come since the AGM was last hosted in the country in 1983. He stated, “India is no longer just a big market. It is a driving force for global aviation, rooted in aspiration, innovation, and inclusive development.”
He emphasized that India has now become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, and its transformation over the past decade reflects not only rapid growth but a sustained commitment to inclusive air connectivity, green infrastructure, and regulatory modernization.
UDAN Scheme a “Golden Chapter” in Indian Aviation
Highlighting India’s efforts to democratize air travel, PM Modi hailed the UDAN scheme as a landmark initiative. “Over 1.5 crore citizens have flown under this scheme—many for the first time,” he noted, crediting the program for expanding access and making aviation a mass transport mode.
He revealed that India’s air passenger traffic now surpasses 240 million annually, with projections of 500 million passengers by 2030. Cargo volumes are expected to triple from the current 3.5 million metric tons to 10 million by decade’s end.
India’s Aviation Infrastructure Soars
PM Modi detailed the impressive expansion of airport infrastructure: “From just 74 operational airports in 2014, India now has 162. Our carriers have ordered over 2,000 new aircraft, signaling strong confidence in the future of Indian aviation.”
India’s annual airport handling capacity has reached 500 million passengers, and several terminals now offer fully digital experiences through innovations like the Digi Yatra app, which enables paperless travel using facial recognition.
Sustainability and Digital Innovation at the Core
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to sustainable aviation fuels, green technology, and reducing carbon emissions, stating that development and environmental responsibility must go hand-in-hand.
Digi Yatra, he said, is not just a convenience but a “model for the Global South,” showcasing India’s ability to develop scalable, secure digital solutions.
India as a Global Aviation Manufacturing and MRO Hub
Highlighting India’s ambitions to become a global manufacturing and MRO hub, PM Modi pointed to policy reforms like the Aircraft Act, FDI liberalization, and the Cape Town Convention legislation, which enhance investor confidence and align India with global aviation standards.
He projected a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030, and noted the growth of MRO facilities from 96 in 2014 to 154 today.
Women at the Helm of India’s Aviation Rise
In a powerful acknowledgment of gender inclusivity, PM Modi shared that over 15% of India’s pilots are women—three times the global average—with even higher female participation in cabin crew and growing numbers in engineering and maintenance roles.
He also noted India’s use of drone technology for empowering women in agriculture and logistics, calling it another frontier where aviation intersects with inclusive development.
India Welcomes Global Investment
Positioning India as an ideal destination for aviation investments, PM Modi urged international companies to not only “Make in India” but also “Design in India.” He assured that reforms like the Mission Manufacturing and incentives through GIFT City offer immense potential in aircraft leasing, design, and end-to-end aviation value chains.
Aviation as a Bridge for Global Connectivity
Calling for greater global cooperation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Chicago Convention, Open Skies, and equitable air access. “Let’s build a future where air travel is accessible, affordable, and secure for all,” he urged.
Global Leaders in Attendance
The summit witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Murlidhar Mohol, IATA Board Chairman Pieter Elbers, IATA Director General Willie Walsh, and IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia, among others.
