In a landmark move to bolster India’s aerospace ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled plans for a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in aeronautics and defense skills at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Kanpur. This initiative, announced during a joint press statement with the French President, marks a significant chapter in India-France collaboration.
The center will be established under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s (MSDE) PM-SETU scheme, with active support from the French government. It aims to deliver world-class training in aeronautics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), airport operations, defense manufacturing, and related fields. As India’s aviation sector surges forward, this facility promises to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready for global challenges.
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, hailed the project as transformative. ‘This center will revolutionize our ITIs, aligning them with international standards and deepening strategic ties with France in high-tech sectors,’ he stated. The announcement coincides with the India-France Innovation Year, underscoring mutual commitments to innovation and youth empowerment.
A Letter of Intent (LoI) has been exchanged between MSDE and French authorities, paving the way for joint curriculum development, trainer programs, exchange initiatives, language training, and structured mobility. This builds on a 2025 MoU in skill development and vocational training, extending cooperation into aeronautics and space.
Kanpur’s NCoE is poised to strengthen India’s aviation ecosystem, supporting the rapid growth in aerospace and defense. By fostering advanced manufacturing skills, it equips the nation’s youth for emerging opportunities, driving economic progress and global competitiveness. This partnership not only enhances bilateral relations but also positions India as a leader in skilled workforce development.