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India and Russia are strengthening their civil aviation ties, with advanced discussions underway to finalize deals for up to 105 regional passenger aircraft just ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The proposed agreements center on the supply of Russian-made Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft to Indian domestic operators. The 105-aircraft deal reportedly includes 50 planes for Pinnacle Air, up to 20 for Air Kerala, and another 35 linked to a memorandum of understanding with Sleek Aviation.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed Thursday that both nations have “expanded the dialogue” regarding local aircraft manufacturing in India. The discussions build on an earlier memorandum of understanding between Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the joint licensed production of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100). According to UAC, negotiations on the local production of the SJ-100 are approximately 80% complete.
Naidu emphasized that both the Il-114-300 and the jet-engine SJ-100 are highly compatible with India’s regional connectivity schemes (like UDAN), noting their efficiency in linking newly developed airports across the country.
The developments are taking place alongside the Innoprom India exhibition, a major trade event held from September 9 to 11 that brings together over 120 Russian and Indian companies. The aviation push marks a strategic shift for Russia as it seeks to expand its industrial partnerships with India beyond traditional defense agreements and into the growing civil aviation sector.
The BRICS Summit, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” will be hosted in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.
