‘India Has to Capitalize’: Naidu on HAL-Russia Aircraft MoU, BRICS and India’s Global Role

India-Russia Expand Aircraft Manufacturing Talks

India and Russia have expanded discussions on manufacturing Russian aircraft in India under an existing understanding between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu said.

Naidu said the talks cover two aircraft platforms — the Ilyushin Il-114 turboprop and the Sukhoi Superjet 100. According to the minister, both aircraft could be suitable for India's regional connectivity requirements as the country continues to develop new airports and expand air connectivity.

The government wants to move forward with the manufacturing process at the earliest, Naidu said.

Aircraft Could Support Regional Connectivity

Naidu highlighted the potential role of Russian aircraft in connecting smaller cities and regional airports.

With India's regional aviation network expanding, suitable turboprop and regional jet aircraft could help airlines connect destinations that may not have sufficient demand for larger aircraft.

The proposed manufacturing cooperation could therefore support India's broader objective of improving regional air connectivity while also creating opportunities for domestic aircraft production.

HAL-Russia Cooperation Gains Fresh Momentum

The renewed discussions come under an existing HAL-Russia MoU concerning aircraft manufacturing in India.

Naidu said dialogue between the two sides has been expanded and that the government wants to begin the process as soon as possible. The development could potentially deepen cooperation between Indian and Russian aerospace companies while contributing to India's efforts to strengthen domestic aviation manufacturing.

BRICS Seen as Important Platform for India

The minister also spoke about India's role in BRICS, describing the grouping as one of the important international platforms for the country.

According to Naidu, countries participating in BRICS as well as the wider international community are increasingly watching India's policies, plans and approach to global issues.

He stressed that India needs to engage with other countries in an effective manner so that its growing international influence creates a positive impact.

‘India Has to Capitalize’ on Growing Global Influence

Naidu said India has to “capitalize” on the country's growing position in the international community.

He pointed to the changing perception of India among foreign delegations and international partners, saying that countries now view India as a strong partner across multiple areas.

The minister said BRICS provides an important platform through which India can further strengthen these relationships and showcase its growing capabilities.

India-Russia Ties Extend Beyond Aviation

The aircraft manufacturing discussions form part of a wider relationship between India and Russia that covers defence, energy, trade, technology and other strategic sectors.

For India, cooperation in civilian aviation could complement its broader efforts to develop a domestic aerospace ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported aircraft and components over the longer term.

Focus on India’s Aviation Growth

India's aviation sector has been expanding rapidly, with new airports, additional routes and increasing passenger demand creating the need for a wider range of aircraft.

Regional aircraft could become particularly important as connectivity expands to smaller cities and towns under the government's regional aviation initiatives.

Domestic manufacturing of such aircraft could also support jobs, technology development and the wider aerospace supply chain.

BRICS Offers Opportunity for Global Engagement

Naidu's comments on BRICS underline the government's broader emphasis on India's expanding international role.

As India engages with major emerging economies and other global partners, platforms such as BRICS provide opportunities for discussions on trade, investment, technology, connectivity and strategic cooperation.

The minister stressed the importance of ensuring that India's engagement produces a positive global impact.

What Happens Next

The immediate focus will be on taking forward the expanded India-Russia discussions on aircraft manufacturing and determining the next steps under the HAL-Russia understanding.

If the proposed cooperation progresses, manufacturing of regional aircraft in India could become an important development for the country's aviation and aerospace sectors.

At the same time, India is expected to use its BRICS engagement to strengthen international partnerships and further establish itself as an influential player in the global economy and diplomatic landscape.