Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed plans to establish a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Kanpur. This initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, will be a collaboration with the Government of France. The announcement was made during a joint press statement with the President of France, marking the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation and related cooperation initiatives, including the new Centre of Excellence in aeronautics.
The NCoE in Kanpur aims to offer advanced skill training in aeronautics, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), airport operations, defence manufacturing, and related fields. It is envisioned as a top-tier institution to enhance India’s aviation skilling ecosystem and bolster the aerospace and defence sectors. Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, highlighted that the PM-SETU scheme is revolutionizing India’s Industrial Training Institute (ITI) ecosystem. He emphasized that the Centre in Kanpur will cultivate a proficient pool of globally skilled aviation professionals, strengthening India’s strategic partnership with France in cutting-edge technology sectors.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Government of France, under the PM-SETU scheme, is a significant step towards aligning skill development with global standards. The initiative aims to equip youth for emerging opportunities in aeronautics, defence, and advanced manufacturing. This partnership builds on the India–France Strategic Partnership and follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 regarding skill development and vocational education and training. The joint efforts will encompass jointly designed curricula, training-of-trainers programs, periodic reviews, exchange initiatives, language training, and structured mobility pathways. Both nations will also collaborate in areas such as aeronautics, space, and related sectors, with a formal agreement detailing specific activities to follow.
