Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Spain Mr Pedro Sánchez inaugurates Tata Aircraft Complex for C-295 Aircraft Production in Vadodara, Gujarat

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

– India’s defence sector has been strengthened by expanding opportunities for strategic plans and partnerships
– India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem is achieving remarkable heights
– The C-295 aircraft factory represents the new work culture of New India
– The Tata Aircraft Complex will strengthen ties between the two nations and promote the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative
– As we advance toward the target, the route to it unfolds naturally

The C-295 aircraft manufacturing project symbolizes industrial excellence and fortifies the bond between India and Spain: Mr Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel grace the occasion

Gandhinagar : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has remarked that India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem is achieving new heights. The C-295 aircraft factory embodies the evolving work culture of contemporary India. This facility will enhance the relationship between the two countries and promote the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative. In this context, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasized that India took significant steps ten years ago to pursue a new direction focused on increasing defence production, the results of which are now visible.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Spain’s Prime Minister Mr Pedro Sánchez jointly inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex for C-295 aircraft production at the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) campus. The event was graced by Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, Union Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Spain’s Prime Minister Mr Pedro Sánchez visited the Final Assembly Line Process and Industrialization, where they reviewed future platforms and opportunities for the first Make in India Airbus C-295 produced by Tata Advanced Systems. They examined various scale models and wall posters of the aircraft and inspected the unit inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated that the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s Final Assembly Line (FAL) C-295 aircraft facility in Vadodara represents a historic moment for India’s aerospace industry and a significant milestone for the nation’s defence manufacturing sector. The PM emphasized the swift transition from idea to implementation of projects in India, noting that the facility, which had its foundation laid in October 2022, is now ready for C-295 aircraft production.

Highlighting the importance of eliminating unnecessary delays in project planning and execution, the Prime Minister recalled his experience establishing the Bombardier Train Coach Manufacturing Unit in Vadodara during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, pointing out that the factory was completed in record time. “Metro coaches made in this factory are now exported to other countries,” he remarked, expressing confidence that the aircraft produced here will also find export opportunities. Quoting the esteemed Spanish poet Antonio Machado, the Prime Minister remarked that as we strive toward our goals, the path to those goals unfolds naturally. Today, India’s defence production system is reaching new heights.

He noted that a decade ago, the emphasis and identity of defence manufacturing were centred on imports, and few could have envisioned that India would attain such large-scale defence production. The government has opted to pursue a new path, establishing ambitious goals for India, the results of which are now evident. The Prime Minister emphasised that India’s advancement in the defence sector demonstrates how strategic planning and partnerships can turn opportunities into prosperity. Over the past decade, key decisions have driven the growth of a robust defence industry in India. We have enhanced private sector participation in defence production, improved the efficiency of public sector units, restructured ordnance factories into seven major companies, and strengthened organizations such as DRDO and HAL.

He stated that the establishment of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has brought renewed energy to the regions. Citing the IDEX (Innovation for Defense Excellence) initiative, the Prime Minister noted that around one thousand defence startups have accelerated their growth in the past five to six years. He emphasized that India’s defence exports have increased thirtyfold over the last decade, with the country now exporting equipment to over 100 nations. Highlighting the significance of skill development and job creation, the Prime Minister mentioned that projects like the Airbus-Tata factory will create thousands of jobs. This facility will facilitate the indigenous production of 18,000 aircraft parts, generating substantial opportunities for MSMEs across India. Currently, India is the largest supplier of parts to major aircraft manufacturers globally. This new aircraft factory will significantly advance the development of new skills and industries in the country.

The Prime Minister expressed that he views today’s program as encompassing more than just the production of transport aircraft. India’s aviation sector has undergone remarkable growth and transformation over the past decade. In addition to providing air connectivity to hundreds of small cities nationwide, it is also working to establish India as a hub for the aviation and MRO sectors. This ecosystem will pave the way for future Made in India civil aircraft. Shri Narendra Modi noted that various Indian airlines have ordered 1,200 new aircraft, asserting that this project will play a crucial role in the future, covering everything from the design to the manufacturing of civil aircraft to meet the demands of India and the world.

Emphasizing Vadodara as a stronghold of MSMEs, Shri Narendra Modi highlighted that the city will act as a catalyst in India’s initiatives. He mentioned that Vadodara is home to Gati Shakti University, which trains professionals across various sectors in the country. The city is host to numerous companies in diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, engineering and heavy machinery, chemicals and petrochemicals, and power and energy equipment. This entire sector is set to become a significant hub for aviation manufacturing in India. Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the Gujarat Government, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, and their entire team for their forward-thinking industrial policies and decisions. Recognizing Vadodara’s importance as a cultural city in India, Shri Narendra Modi expressed his joy in welcoming friends from Spain. He remarked, “The cultural connection between India and Spain holds great significance. Father Carlos Wallace, who emigrated from Spain and settled in Gujarat, dedicated fifty years of his life to the region. He enriched Gujarat’s cultural heritage through his thoughts and writings, earning the Padma Shri for his exceptional contributions.”

Shri Narendra Modi observed that yoga is highly popular in Spain, while Spanish football is equally adored in India. He mentioned that the recent match between Real Madrid and Barcelona sparked significant conversation in India, with fans from both clubs displaying the same fervour as those in Spain. He emphasized the bonds between India and Spain through food, film, and football, expressing his delight that both countries have chosen to commemorate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI. He stated that today’s event would pave the way for many new collaborative projects between India and Spain. He invited industrialists and innovators from Spain to come to India and join in the country’s developmental journey.

Mr Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

The Prime Minister of Spain, Mr Pedro Sánchez, praised the progressive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that the C295 aircraft production project represents industrial excellence. He stated that this initiative has strengthened the friendship between India and Spain. Suggesting future technology transfers to India, he noted that this industrial collaboration has facilitated training and the development of engineers and technicians. Indian companies are expanding in Spain, while Spanish businesses are thriving in India, leading to enhanced job creation and research opportunities. This project will significantly foster the growth of MSMEs.

Emphasizing the importance of medium and small enterprises, the Spanish Prime Minister pointed out that 99 per cent of the companies in his country are MSMEs, which play a crucial role in national development. He also recognized the cultural connections between India and Spain, particularly in music, and specifically mentioned the Indian composer Pandit Ravi Shankar, highlighting the similarities between the Spanish guitar and the Indian sitar. The Prime Minister conveyed that it is a great honour for him to participate in this project, which symbolizes the progress of India’s aerospace industry and will unlock new avenues for growth.

Emphasizing that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has transformed India into an industrial powerhouse, he noted that India and Spain have been trustworthy friends for decades. This project has introduced a new dimension to the enhancement of industrial relations. He praised the Tata Group as one of the foremost leaders and highlighted the diverse industrial development in Gujarat.

Shri Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, delivered the welcome address while Mr Michael, CEO of Airbus Defense Space, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was graced by Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil, the Ambassadors of India and Spain, state cabinet members, MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretary Shri Raj Kumar, and various industrialists.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat