Bengaluru: Highlighting the growing strategic ties between India and Europe, the German Consulate in Bengaluru has said that the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could significantly accelerate cooperation in the aviation sector, opening new avenues for growth and investment.
The remarks were made by Annett Baessler, Deputy Consul General, during the 9th International Conference on the Future of Aviation and Aerospace 2026, held at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) in collaboration with a French academic partner.
Baessler emphasised that the agreement could unlock major opportunities in areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), workforce development, and deeper industry integration between India and European nations.
India’s aviation sector, already among the fastest growing globally, is currently the fifth-largest aviation market and is projected to become the third-largest within the next decade, making it an attractive partner for European collaboration.
She also pointed to the strong presence of European aerospace companies, noting that Airbus alone has around 1,250 aircraft orders from Indian carriers, underlining the scale of existing cooperation and future potential.
Experts at the conference highlighted that India holds a competitive edge in the aviation ecosystem. Professor S Raghunath of IIM Bangalore stressed the country’s strengths in MRO services and lifecycle intelligence, supported by its robust IT and engineering capabilities.
Adding to this, Sunil Bhaskaran from Air India Aviation Academy noted that India’s domestic aviation market still has significant untapped potential, which could further benefit from international partnerships.
Veteran aerospace scientist Kota Harinarayana, known for his role in India’s indigenous fighter jet programme, called for civil aviation to follow the successful model of self-reliance seen in military aviation, suggesting a stronger push for domestic development alongside global collaboration.
The broader EU-India Free Trade Agreement, finalised after years of negotiations, aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance market access, and deepen economic ties between the two regions, covering a wide range of sectors including aviation.
Officials believe that once implemented, the pact could play a crucial role in strengthening supply chains, boosting investments, and creating new employment opportunities in India’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.
The developments underscore how policy-level agreements and global partnerships are set to shape the future of India’s aviation landscape, positioning the country as a key global hub for aerospace growth and innovation.
