Air India-Airbus deal: PM Modi underlines deepening India France ties

At a virtual event on Tuesday attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced that Air India will purchase 250 aircraft from Airbus, including 40 wide-body aircraft. The airline operated by the Tata Group will purchase 210 narrow-body aircraft and 40 wide-body A350 aircraft. A letter of intent for the purchase of the aircraft was reportedly signed with Airbus, according to Chandrasekaran. Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said the agreement symbolises both the triumphs and goals of India's civil aviation sector as well as the growing connections between India and France. He asserted that France and India are making constructive contributions to issues like global food and health security, as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific area. "With the Help of Our Regional Connectivity Remote regions of the nation are connected by air connectivity thanks to the UDAN scheme, which is promoting people's economic and social growth, according to PM Modi. According to India's "Make in India, Make for the World" strategy, new doors of opportunity are opening up in the aircraft manufacturing sector, he added.Macron said that the Air India-Airbus alliance demonstrates the commitment of the French aircraft business and its partners to expanding their level of collaboration with India. "With India, we have accomplished so much," he said. "But given the potential of the Indian people, we have a historic chance to go far further." Additionally, Macron urged Indians to travel to France and participate in the relationship between France and India. "More interactions between our two countries should result from the conclusion of the epidemic." "France is open to students, scientists, artists, businesspeople, ladies, and tourists, and I especially want Indians to join us in celebrating our relationship with the French."