Modi, Sanchez Open Tata Aircraft Manufacturing Plant

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have inaugurated India's first private military aircraft plant in Vadodara, Gujarat. This plant, established by Tata Advanced Systems in partnership with Airbus Spain, will manufacture 40 of the 56 C-295 military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with 16 to be imported from Spain. The project, part of a $2.5 billion deal signed in 2021, is seen as a significant step in India's 'Make in India' initiative and aims to bolster defense manufacturing capabilities. Sanchez's visit marks the first by a Spanish prime minister to India in 18 years and includes discussions to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The collaboration underscores India's growing defense industry, with potential for future exports of aircraft manufactured in India. This initiative also commemorates the late Ratan Tata, credited with the project's original conception.