Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on June 2, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The prestigious global aviation summit returned to India after a 42-year gap, with the previous meeting held in 1983.
During his keynote speech, PM Modi emphasized India’s rapid rise as a global aviation powerhouse, proudly stating that the country now ranks as the third-largest domestic civil aviation market with 162 operational airports and fast-evolving infrastructure.
PM underlined the government’s vision to transform India into a global hub for aviation and aircraft manufacturing, citing policy support, technology, and growing market demand as key drivers of this transformation.
The IATA AGM, held alongside the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) from June 1–3, gathered over 1,600 global aviation leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. Discussions focused on critical themes including airline economics, connectivity, energy security, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and green innovations shaping the future of aviation.
India’s leading airline, IndiGo, hosted the event, which gave global stakeholders a front-row view of the country’s aviation progress and economic dynamism.
This milestone event reinforced India’s growing role in shaping the future of global air travel and sustainability in the skies.
