India and the European Union on March 23, 2026, signed a working arrangement on industrial aviation production, marking a key step in strengthening cooperation in aircraft manufacturing, certification, and safety standards.
The agreement was signed between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), aimed at aligning India’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem with European safety and regulatory frameworks.
Officials noted that the arrangement will support closer regulatory cooperation and facilitate industrial partnerships, particularly under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Workshop held in New Delhi from March 24–26
The signing of the agreement preceded a regional aviation workshop held in New Delhi from March 24 to 26, 2026, under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project.
The workshop brought together aviation authorities, airlines, and industry stakeholders to strengthen operational collaboration and share practical experience.
According to the official statement, participants discussed “the importance of cooperation to ensure safe, resilient and sustainable air transport,” highlighting growing challenges in the aviation sector.
Discussions also covered day-to-day flight operations and regional challenges, reinforcing the need for continued dialogue between regulators and industry.
Airbus helicopter assembly line in Karnataka
A major industrial outcome linked to the agreement is the Airbus helicopter programme in India. The arrangement supports the assembly of Airbus H125 helicopters in Karnataka, aligning production with EU standards.
The final assembly line, developed in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems, is expected to be operational by April 2026, marking a significant step in India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions.
The facility is expected to cater to both domestic and export markets, positioning India as a potential hub for helicopter production.
Focus on safety, certification and regulatory alignment
The agreement places strong emphasis on aligning aviation safety and certification standards between India and the EU.
Officials said the framework will help harmonise production processes with European norms, improve certification efficiency, and enhance global acceptance of aircraft and components manufactured in India.
The collaboration is also expected to strengthen institutional ties between DGCA and EASA through technical cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Linked to January 2026 India–EU Summit priorities
The development follows the India–EU Summit held in January 2026, where civil aviation safety was identified as a priority area under the broader strategic partnership.
Officials described the working arrangement as part of a broader push to scale up cooperation in high-value sectors, including aerospace manufacturing and regulatory convergence.
