India moves to build its first passenger jet under new aviation pact with Russia

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India and Russia have signed a major deal to jointly manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft, marking a significant expansion in their long-standing strategic partnership. The agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), according to a Bloomberg report, comes just weeks ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India in December. It underlines the resilience of New Delhi-Moscow ties despite increasing Western pressure.The partnership represents a key milestone in India’s plan to boost domestic aviation manufacturing while expanding short-haul connectivity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative.HAL and UAC to produce SJ-100 passenger aircraft in IndiaHAL announced on Tuesday that it has signed an accord with UAC for the local manufacturing of the SJ-100 twin-engine, narrow-body passenger aircraft. While the financial details and technology transfer clauses have not been disclosed, the company confirmed that this will be the first time a complete passenger aircraft is produced in India.Bloomberg reports that according to HAL, the agreement reflects “mutual trust” between the two aerospace firms and strengthens bilateral cooperation in the civil aviation sector. The deal gives HAL manufacturing rights for Indian customers, aligning with New Delhi’s objective of reducing import dependence in the aviation industry.The SJ-100, originally developed by UAC’s Sukhoi division, is designed for regional routes with a capacity of 75–95 passengers. The partnership aims to localise production and gradually integrate Indian suppliers, creating a new chapter in civil aircraft production in the country.A strategic partnership amid geopolitical pressureThe announcement comes at a critical juncture in global politics. Western nations, particularly the United States, have intensified pressure on India to scale back its trade and defence ties with Russia following Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump’s administration has repeatedly criticised India for continuing to buy Russian crude oil and recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing trade imbalances and its strategic alignment with Russia.Despite these challenges, the new aviation pact underscores India’s intent to maintain an independent foreign policy and diversify its industrial partnerships. I...

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