ENA Global 2026-02-20 13:05:29 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Feb 20 (KNN)</strong> Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Kanpur, in collaboration with the Government of the French Republic.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The announcement was made during a joint press statement with French President Emmanuel Macron while inaugurating the India France Year of Innovation and related cooperation initiatives, including the proposed aviation-focused Centre.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The NCoE will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Focus on Advanced Aviation and Defence Skills</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The proposed Centre at Kanpur will provide advanced skill training in aeronautics, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), airport operations, defence manufacturing and allied sectors. It is envisaged as a world-class institution aimed at strengthening Indias aviation skilling ecosystem and supporting the countrys expanding aerospace and defence industries.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, said the initiative would help create a pipeline of globally competent aviation professionals and deepen Indias strategic partnership with France in emerging and advanced technology domains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Letter of Intent Exchanged</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">A Letter of Intent (LoI) has been exchanged between MSDE and the Government of the French Republic for collaboration on the establishment of the Centre under the PM-SETU framework.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The initiative builds on the India France Strategic Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 in the field of skill development and vocational education and training.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The proposed collaboration includes co-designed curricula, structured training-of-trainers programmes, periodic joint programme reviews, exchange initiatives, language training and development of mobility pathways. Cooperation will also extend to aeronautics, space and allied domains.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The LoI records the intent of both sides pending a formal agreement governing specific activities under the project.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Part of Rs 60,000-Crore PM-SETU Programme</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">With an overall outlay of Rs 60,000 crore, PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) nationwide by modernising infrastructure, aligning curricula with industry demand and enhancing employability outcomes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Apart from the Kanpur aviation-focused Centre, other proposed National Centres of Excellence are planned at Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bhubaneswar, aligned with regional industrial strengths in advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and high-growth service sectors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Officials said the India France National Centre of Excellence in Aviation represents a significant step in strengthening Indias skilling architecture and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through industry-integrated vocational education and training.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 45218 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/pm-modi-announces-indiafrance-centre-of-excellence-for-aeronautics-and-defence 2026-02-20 13:05:29 knnindia.co.in