Fuelling India's ascent

How advanced machining technologies are fuelling growth in India’s aerospace market

- BY Sunil Joshi, President of Sales, India, Sandvik Coromant

Aerospace scientist and eleventh President of India, Abdul Kalam, famously said that “Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action.” This philosophy captures the spirit of India’s aerospace sector, which is poised to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by December 2025. But to sustain this momentum, continued progress in component production and supply chain efficiency are essential. Here Sunil Joshi, President of Sales, India, at metal cutting specialist Sandvik Coromant, explores how advanced machining technologies are reinforcing the country’s position in the global aerospace market.

For decades, India’s aerospace industry faced significant challenges that hindered its global competitiveness, from dependence on imported technologies to inefficiencies in manufacturing processes.

However, government-led initiatives such as Make in India and the Production Linked Incentive scheme have significantly transformed this landscape over the past decade. These initiatives have incentivised domestic manufacturing, encouraged foreign direct investment and promoted skill development, resulting in a thriving aerospace ecosystem.

Today, India is home to one of the fastest-growing aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industries, expected to drive MRO advancements across the Asia-Pacific region. What's more, global original equipment manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus and Rolls-Royce are increasingly sourcing critical components from India, recognising the country as a reliable supply chain partner. There are also signs of indigenous innovation, with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra emerging as key regional aerospace hubs.