A New Era of India-Spain Collaboration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata-Airbus aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India-Spain relations. Prior to the inauguration, the leaders participated in a grand road show through Vadodara, showcasing the strong bilateral ties.
Global Manufacturing Hub
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Tata-Airbus collaboration symbolizes India’s commitment to manufacturing for the global market. He noted, “This collaboration will lead to India manufacturing aircraft for the entire world, not just for India.” Modi celebrated the inauguration of the C295 aircraft manufacturing facility, highlighting its importance in strengthening the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ mission. He extended congratulations to the teams of Tata and Airbus, underscoring the deepening partnership between India and Spain.
Tribute to Ratan Tata
PM Modi paid homage to the late Ratan Tata, acknowledging his visionary contributions. “Recently, we lost Ratan Tata ji, a great son of our country. This C295 aircraft factory reflects the new work culture of New India,” Modi stated. He recalled his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, when Vadodara was selected as the site for a train coach factory, which now exports metro coaches globally. Modi expressed confidence that the new aircraft facility would similarly export aircraft worldwide, showcasing India’s manufacturing prowess.
Rise of India’s Defence Sector
Modi highlighted the surge in India’s defense startups and exports. “In the last 5-6 years, 1,000 new defense startups have emerged in India, and our defense exports have increased 30 times in the last decade,” he said. The Prime Minister noted that the Tata-Airbus facility would generate thousands of jobs, contributing to skill development and employment in the country.
India’s First Private Sector Military Aircraft Plant
The Tata Advanced Systems facility in Vadodara is India’s first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft. The facility will build 40 aircraft under an agreement, with Airbus delivering 16 aircraft directly. This initiative represents a significant step in developing a comprehensive ecosystem for aircraft manufacturing in India, encompassing everything from production to maintenance.
Collaboration Across Sectors
In addition to Tata, major defense public sector units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd., along with private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, will contribute to the program. The foundation stone for the Vadodara Final Assembly Line was laid by Prime Minister Modi in October 2022, marking the beginning of this ambitious project.
Inauguration of Bharat Mata Sarovar
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to inaugurate the Bharat Mata Sarovar in Dudhala, Amreli. Developed through a Public-Private Partnership model between the Government of Gujarat and the Dholakia Foundation, the project significantly enhances local water resources. The capacity of the check dam has been increased from 4.5 crore litres to 24.5 crore litres, benefiting nearby villages and farmers by improving irrigation.
Development Projects Worth Rs 4,900 Crore
At a public function in Amreli, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth around Rs 4,900 crore. These projects will benefit multiple districts including Amreli, Jamnagar, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Kachchh, and Botad.
Road Infrastructure Enhancements
The Prime Minister will also launch various road projects worth more than Rs 2,800 crores. This includes the four-laning of several sections of NH 151, NH 151A, and NH 51, as well as the Junagadh bypass. Additionally, the foundation stone will be laid for the four-laning project from the Dhrol bypass in Jamnagar district to Amran in Morbi district.
Bhuj-Naliya Rail Gauge Conversion Project
PM Modi will dedicate the Bhuj-Naliya Rail Gauge Conversion Project to the nation. Completed at a cost of around Rs 1,100 crores, the project includes major and minor bridges, road overbridges, and underbridges. This development is expected to significantly boost the socio-economic progress of the Kachchh district.
Water Supply Initiatives
Various water supply projects worth over Rs 700 crore will also be inaugurated. This includes the Navda to Chavand bulk pipeline, which will provide an additional 28 crore litres of water to approximately 67 lakh beneficiaries across multiple districts. The foundation stone for the Pasavi Group Augmentation Water Supply Scheme Phase 2 in Bhavnagar district will also be laid, benefiting 95 villages.
Tourism and Eco-Development
The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for several tourism-related projects, including the transformation of the Karli Recharge Reservoir at Mokarsagar in Porbandar district into a world-class sustainable eco-tourism destination. These initiatives are aimed at promoting tourism and sustainable development in the region.
To conclude, the inauguration of the Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. Prime Minister Modi’s vision of India as a key player in the global aerospace industry is supported by strong international partnerships, innovative projects, and substantial investments in infrastructure and skill development. The collaborative efforts between India and Spain, along with contributions from both public and private sectors, highlight the nation’s commitment to achieving self-reliance and excellence in defense manufacturing. With a robust framework in place, India is poised to not only meet its domestic needs but also export high-quality aircraft and defense equipment to the world, solidifying its position on the global stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
