EU and India Sign Agreement to Boost Industrial Aviation Production

The European Union and India have signed a working arrangement between the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to deepen co‑operation in industrial aviation production and support “Make in India” manufacturing aligned with EU safety standards. The arrangement covers, among other activities, the assembly of Airbus Helicopters H125/AS350 aircraft in Karnataka, India.

EU and India join forces to align aviation production with European safety standards.

Working arrangement on industrial aviation production

Concluded as a key step in bilateral aviation ties, the working arrangement aims to facilitate closer industrial collaboration between India and the EU while ensuring that production meets established European aviation safety requirements.

It is designed to help consolidate co‑operation in civil aviation safety and underpin high standards across jointly developed or produced platforms.

Follow‑up to the EU–India Summit

The new arrangement follows the EU–India Summit held in January 2026, where civil aviation safety was identified as a critical focus area under the Strategic Joint Agenda guiding broader bilateral engagement.

Both sides have committed to work “at scale and speed” in areas of mutual interest, with aviation safety singled out as a priority for practical implementation.

EU and South Asia strengthen aviation safety and collaboration with new working arrangement.

Regional workshop in New Delhi

The working arrangement was signed on 23 March 2026, ahead of a workshop held from 24 to 26 March in New Delhi under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project.

This workshop brought together aviation authorities, airlines and industry representatives from across South Asia to strengthen practical collaboration, exchange operational experience and discuss common regional challenges.

The activity was organised by EASA in close co‑operation with DGCA and with the support of European turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR.

Broader EU–India and South Asia aviation partnership

Discussions in New Delhi addressed day‑to‑day flight operations and underlined the importance of sustained dialogue between regulators, operators and industry to improve safety and performance.

The initiative forms part of the European Union’s wider engagement with India and South Asian partners to ensure safe, resilient and sustainable air transport. It also reflects the EU–India strategic partnership, under which more than 50 sectoral dialogues – including on connectivity and technology – seek effective, timely implementation for the benefit of people in both regions.