Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is “dreaming big, doing bigger and delivering the best,” as he called on global investors to partner with the country in its journey toward becoming a developed nation.
Addressing the launch of Safran Aircraft Engine Services’ new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility via video conferencing, the Prime Minister said the aviation sector is poised for a “major leap,” with the new unit at the GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park positioned to strengthen India’s standing as a global MRO hub.
Modi said the facility marks an important step in localising high-value aviation services and will open new opportunities for India’s youth in advanced technology fields. “We see investors not just as investors, but as co-creators. They are stakeholders in developing a new India,” he said.
Highlighting the accelerating growth of India’s aviation industry, the Prime Minister noted that the country is now one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally and the third-largest domestic aviation market. He said the rising aspirations of Indian passengers have pushed the sector to new heights.
Modi pointed out that India has long relied on foreign facilities for aircraft maintenance, with nearly 85 per cent of MRO work previously being carried out abroad—leading to higher costs, delays and longer grounding periods. The government, he said, is now determined to reverse this dependence by building a strong domestic MRO ecosystem.
The Prime Minister said his recent interaction with the Safran leadership reflected the company’s confidence in India’s growth potential. He expressed hope that Safran would continue to expand its investment footprint in the country.
Modi also stressed the sharp rise in demand for MRO services due to increasing passenger numbers and fleet expansion. Indian airlines have ordered more than 1,500 new aircraft, creating a strong need for in-country servicing capabilities.
“With support from Safran, India is entering the field of deep-level OEM servicing for the first time, which will push the aviation sector in a positive direction,” he said.
He added that the new facility will generate employment for young engineers, particularly in southern India, while advancing the government’s broader focus on strengthening domestic innovation and manufacturing. Modi said India is moving beyond aviation by developing similar capabilities in shipping MRO and encouraging design-led work across industries.
Urging Safran to expand engine and component design operations in India, he said the country’s MSMEs and young talent are ready to contribute. Modi also reiterated his message to investors: “Betting on India is the smartest decision of this decade.”
