Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez is set to make a landmark visit to India from October 28 to 30, with plans to inaugurate the country’s first private military transport aircraft production facility in Vadodara alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event marks a significant development in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and underscores the deepening ties between Spain and India across various sectors, especially in defense and aerospace.
In Vadodara, Sanchez and Modi will jointly open the Final Assembly Line (FAL) plant of the C295 medium-lift tactical transport aircraft, developed by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This facility, a first for India’s private sector in military aviation, is a monumental project under which India will replace the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) aging Avro aircraft fleet with 56 new C295 planes. Of these, the first 16 will be delivered directly from Airbus’s facility in Seville, Spain, while the remaining 40 aircraft will be assembled in India, at the Vadodara plant.
Prime Minister Modi has shown strong support for this initiative, having laid the foundation stone of the Vadodara assembly line back in October 2022. The new assembly line signifies a breakthrough in India’s self-reliant defense production capabilities and promises a comprehensive ecosystem involving not only TASL but also Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and a range of private micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The full development process will encompass manufacturing, assembly, testing, qualification, delivery, and the complete lifecycle maintenance of the C295 aircraft.
The C295 has proven operational advantages, particularly its ability to function from short or unprepared airstrips. It is designed to carry up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers, making it a valuable tactical transport vehicle for the IAF. Additionally, it can be adapted for various uses, including casualty evacuation, airdropping, disaster response, and maritime patrol. The aircraft’s versatility was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it was equipped with mobile ICUs for medevac operations.
The Vadodara facility will produce its first Made-in-India C295 by 2026, with the full delivery of 40 aircraft scheduled for completion by 2031. The introduction of this aircraft model will be transformative for the IAF’s transport fleet, enabling it to operate in terrains and conditions where heavier aircraft struggle.
Apart from defense, Sanchez’s visit is expected to catalyze discussions across an array of industries. The Ministry of External Affairs has highlighted that this visit will serve as an opportunity to deepen the India-Spain partnership in sectors like IT, innovation, infrastructure, renewable energy, security, pharmaceuticals, agriculture technology, biotechnology, tourism, and culture. The two leaders, who have met frequently at international summits, last engaged in formal bilateral talks during Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. This return visit by Sanchez is the first by a Spanish prime minister to India in 18 years, a testament to the evolving strength of their bilateral relationship.
Following their engagements in Vadodara, Sanchez will travel to Mumbai, where he is scheduled to interact with business leaders, industry experts, and members of India’s vibrant film industry. His visit to prominent film studios is particularly aimed at fostering media collaborations between the two countries. As part of his visit, Sanchez will address the 4th Spain-India Forum organized by the Spain India Council Foundation in association with the Observer Research Foundation. The forum will provide a platform for key leaders from both nations to discuss avenues for increased collaboration, especially in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
This engagement also has significant diplomatic undertones. Sanchez’s official welcome in Vadodara includes a traditional Shobha Yatra, a roadshow, which reflects the Indian government’s warmth and the importance it places on Spain’s partnership. His spouse, Begona Gomez, will accompany him on this visit, underscoring the diplomatic and cultural importance of the trip.
A series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are anticipated, further strengthening bilateral ties. India and Spain have enjoyed a close and friendly relationship, with economic, cultural, and security cooperation forming the core of this partnership. With a shared commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change and renewable energy, the two countries have aligned interests in several key areas. Spain, known for its expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure, offers valuable insights and resources for India’s development goals, particularly as India seeks sustainable solutions for its urban and industrial growth.
In conclusion, Sanchez’s visit is poised to bring India and Spain closer, fostering collaboration in defense, aerospace, and several other critical industries. The inauguration of the Vadodara C295 FAL plant is a milestone for India’s aerospace industry, setting the stage for further joint ventures that reflect India’s growing stature as a defense production hub. The outcomes of this visit will likely reinforce the mutual respect and shared interests between India and Spain, enhancing economic growth, technological progress, and diplomatic ties. As India continues its push for self-reliance in defense, Spain’s partnership, highlighted by Sanchez’s visit, represents a promising alliance that may shape the future of Indo-Spanish relations in the years to come.