The Government of India has announced the establishment of an India–France National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Kanpur, under the PM-SETU scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press statement with the President of France, marking the inauguration of the India–France Year of Innovation. A Letter of Intent was exchanged between MSDE and the French government to collaborate on the project, building on the India–France Strategic Partnership and the 2025 MoU on skill development. The proposed centre will offer advanced training in aeronautics, MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul), airport operations and defence manufacturing. It will feature co-designed curricula, trainer development programmes, language training and structured mobility pathways.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary said the initiative will create globally competent aviation professionals and strengthen India’s strategic partnership with France. With an outlay of ₹60,000 crore, PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1,000 ITIs nationwide, with additional Centres of Excellence planned in Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bhubaneswar. In Guwahati, the move could boost aviation-linked skilling demand in the Northeast, especially as regional airports expand and defence-related activities gain traction, creating opportunities for trained youth in Assam and adjoining states.
