India will launch production of passenger aircraft for the first time as part of a project with Russia

India and Russia sign an agreement on joint production of passenger aircraft on the eve of the Russian dictator's visit Vladimir Putin to New Delhi, scheduled for December. About writes Bloomberg.

The Indian state-owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for the production of civilian regional aircraft SJ-100 (Sukhoi Superjet 100).

As noted by HAL, this will be the first full-scale passenger aircraft production program in India's history.

The agreement stipulates that HAL will receive the rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for Indian airlines. Details on the amount of investment or possible technology transfer were not disclosed.

The project is seen as part of the Prime Minister's initiative Narendra Modi for the development of local production. It could be an important step in expanding regional air travel, as India plans to double the number of airports to 350 by 2047.

The agreement was signed amid tensions between India and the United States. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized New Delhi for purchasing Russian oil and imposed 50% duties on Indian goods, explaining this by trade barriers and India's cooperation with Moscow.

• October 27 India and China resumed direct flights after a five-year break.