The visit to India by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, marked an important step in strengthening EU–India aviation cooperation. On 6 October 2026, the Commissioner and India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, launched the first EU–India High-Level Aviation Dialogue in New Delhi supported by EASA.
The Dialogue translates the political ambitions of the EU–India strategic partnership into a dedicated framework for cooperation on aviation connectivity, safety and sustainability. It builds on existing cooperation, including the partnership between EASA and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
For EASA, the relationship with India is strategically significant. The rapid expansion of India’s aviation sector, together with its growing role in aircraft manufacturing and the wider aviation supply chain, makes sustained cooperation with DGCA increasingly important. This partnership offers opportunities to strengthen regulatory understanding, support safety oversight and address practical challenges affecting European and Indian aviation stakeholders.
This high-level engagement provides valuable momentum for further technical cooperation. The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation highlighted knowledge-sharing between DGCA and EASA as a central objective, supporting the safe and sustainable development of India’s expanding aviation sector. The recognition given to EASA reflects the collective efforts of many colleagues across the Agency, whose expertise and sustained commitment have helped build this partnership over time and contributed to the success of the visit.
The successful launch creates a stronger platform for sustained engagement and for advancing the shared aviation priorities identified at the January 2026 EU–India Summit. These include closer market cooperation, expanded direct connectivity, greener aviation and cooperation on aviation safety.