Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at Hyderabad’s GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park via videoconferencing. He said the launch marks a major leap for India’s aviation sector and will help position the country as a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub. The Prime Minister added that the new facility will create significant high-tech job opportunities for youth.

PM Modi noted India’s unprecedented aviation growth, with the country now ranking as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. With Indian airlines ordering more than 1,500 new aircraft, he stressed the urgent need for robust domestic MRO capabilities, pointing out that nearly 85% of India’s MRO work currently takes place abroad, raising costs and turnaround times.

The Prime Minister highlighted that India is now developing a comprehensive MRO ecosystem, with Safran becoming the first global OEM to set up deep-level servicing operations in the country. He emphasized that Safran’s training and technology transfer will help build a skilled aerospace workforce, especially in South India.

PM Modi urged Safran to explore “Design in India” opportunities, including aircraft engine and component design, supported by India’s strong MSME base and young engineering talent. He also noted that India is expanding MRO efforts across sectors, including shipping.

Highlighting major reforms to improve ease of doing business and attract global investors, the Prime Minister said India now allows 100% FDI in most sectors and has opened 74% FDI through automatic routes in defence. He added that GST, faceless tax assessment, labour reforms, and reduced compliance burdens have strengthened India’s appeal as a trusted manufacturing and investment destination.

PM Modi concluded by stating that investing in India is “the smartest business decision of this decade,” praising the country’s fast growth, stable governance, innovation-friendly mindset, and strong domestic market. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Union Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu were also present at the event.