In a significant step towards strengthening India–France relations and India’s aviation skilling ecosystem, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defense at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made during a joint press statement with the President of France while inaugurating the India–France Year of Innovation, highlighting growing collaboration in advanced technologies, skill development, and defense manufacturing.
What is the India-France National Centre of Excellence?
The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Aeronautics and Defense at Kanpur is envisioned as a world-class skilling institution focusing on advanced and industry-aligned training.
Key Focus Areas
The Centre will provide training in,
- Aeronautics
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
- Airport operations
- Defense manufacturing
- Space and allied sectors
The aim is to create a pipeline of globally competent aviation professionals, aligned with international standards and industry demands.
PM-SETU Scheme: Transforming India’s ITI Ecosystem
The Centre will be established under the PM-SETU scheme, a flagship initiative with a massive outlay of ₹60,000 crore.
Objectives of PM-SETU
PM-SETU aims to,
- Upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India.
- Modernize infrastructure and equipment.
- Align curricula with industry requirements.
- Improve employability outcomes.
This initiative is part of the broader vision of building a skilled workforce to support Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s long-term development roadmap.
In addition to Kanpur, other proposed National Centres of Excellence will be located at,
- Ludhiana
- Hyderabad
- Chennai
- Bhubaneswar
Each Centre will cater to regional industrial strengths such as advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, and high-growth service sectors.
Strengthening India-France Cooperation in Skill Development
- The establishment of the NCoE builds upon the India–France Strategic Partnership, which has expanded significantly in defense, space, nuclear energy, and now vocational education.
- A Letter of Intent (LoI) has been exchanged between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Government of the French Republic.
- This LoI follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2025 in the field of skill development and vocational education and training.
Proposed Areas of Collaboration
The partnership envisages,
- Co-designed curricula aligned with global standards.
- Structured training-of-trainers programmes.
- Joint programme reviews.
- Exchange initiatives for students and faculty.
- Language training.
- Structured mobility pathways.
Such collaboration ensures that Indian trainees receive exposure to international best practices, particularly in high-precision sectors like aeronautics and defence manufacturing.
Key Points
- Name of initiative: India–France National Centre of Excellence in Aeronautics and Defence
- Location: NSTI Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Scheme: PM-SETU
- Outlay of PM-SETU: ₹60,000 crore
- ITIs to be upgraded: 1,000
- Partner Country: France
- Year of MoU in skill development: 2025
Question
Q. The India-France National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Aeronautics and Defence will be established at:
A) NSTI Ludhiana
B) NSTI Hyderabad
C) NSTI Kanpur
D) NSTI Chennai
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