PM Modi Announces Indiafrance Centre Of Excellence For Aeronautics And Defence

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Feb 20 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Kanpur, in collaboration with the Government of the French Republic.

The announcement was made during a joint press statement with French President Emmanuel Macron while inaugurating the India–France Year of Innovation and related cooperation initiatives, including the proposed aviation-focused Centre.

The NCoE will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Focus on Advanced Aviation and Defence Skills

The proposed Centre at Kanpur will provide advanced skill training in aeronautics, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), airport operations, defence manufacturing and allied sectors. It is envisaged as a world-class institution aimed at strengthening India's aviation skilling ecosystem and supporting the country's expanding aerospace and defence industries.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, said the initiative would help create a pipeline of globally competent aviation professionals and deepen India's strategic partnership with France in emerging and advanced technology domains.

Letter of Intent Exchanged

A Letter of Intent (LoI) has been exchanged between MSDE and the Government of the French Republic for collaboration on the establishment of the Centre under the PM-SETU framework.

The initiative builds on the India–France Strategic Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 in the field of skill development and vocational education and training.

The proposed collaboration includes co-designed curricula, structured training-of-trainers programmes, periodic joint programme reviews, exchange initiatives, language training and development of mobility pathways. Cooperation will also extend to aeronautics, space and allied domains.

The LoI records the intent of both sides pending a formal agreement governing specific activities under the project.

Part of Rs 60,000-Crore PM-SETU Programme

With an overall outlay of Rs 60,000 crore, PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) nationwide by modernising infrastructure, aligning curricula with industry demand and enhancing employability outcomes.

Apart from the Kanpur aviation-focused Centre, other proposed National Centres of Excellence are planned at Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bhubaneswar, aligned with regional industrial strengths in advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and high-growth service sectors.

Officials said the India–France National Centre of Excellence in Aviation represents a significant step in strengthening India's skilling architecture and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through industry-integrated vocational education and training.

(KNN Bureau)

MENAFN20022026000155011030ID1110767048