• Market of the Month, India
• Top U.S. Export Destinations, India
• Industry Trade Advisory Committee, Aerospace Equipment (ITAC1)
• Signature Events & Programs
• Global Trade Events
• Contact Us

Market of the Month, India

Let us briefly understand today’s India. Home to 1.3 billion people, it is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, spending billions of dollars aggressively to improve infrastructure. Foreign suppliers have a key role to play in offering advanced technology to help India make this transition. India’s huge market can be complex and diverse. Successful U.S. companies often invest in better understanding the forces that drive the country’s market. India’s 300 million-strong middle-class, for instance, exercises its influence on major policy matters. India and the U.S., over the years, have developed a mutual affinity. U.S. culture, products and services are accepted with much ease in India. This natural attraction is an asset for U.S. investors. India has been a customer of some of the best U.S. aviation and defense technology, thanks to strong commercial, military, and political relationships. The trajectory of this relationship mitigates many of the hurdles in the Indian market. The Make in India initiative, specifically, is often a challenge for US companies but one that can be overcome through partnerships with Indian entities.

Civil Aviation
With the industry’s $30 billion contribution to India’s GDP, the domestic aviation market is estimated to be third largest globally by 2024. India has a 20-year roadmap to develop civil aviation and envisions a five-fold increase in airports to handle over one billion trips a year. Experts estimate that the industry will require over 100,000 new pilots, technicians, and cabin crew personnel. The Indian government also plans an increase in helicopter strength through its ‘Policy for promotion of Helicopter operations’, which will encourage operators creating demand and growth for services such as emergency rescue, aerial work, disaster response, and airborne law enforcement. In pursuit of its goal to capture 25 percent of global market share, India has prepared a road map to become a UAV hub by 2030. While restrictions have been imposed on UAV imports to encourage indigenous manufacturing, U.S. companies can still find opportunities to collaborate with local partners for advanced UAV software/technology. India’s growing fleet of airplanes will demand more maintenance services. Approximately 90 percent of India’s MRO activity occurs outside India, predominantly in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. The government has revised its MRO policy to provide this segment ease of doing business. Efforts are underway towards making India a center for services in the region. Its location between Europe and Southeast Asia, and proximity to the Middle East, is an advantage. Airport and aviation safety and security systems is another priority segment. The Government is also making efforts to promote use of green energy at airports through 14 policy areas proposed under the draft National Green Aviation Policy.

Space
India is one of the few countries in the world with an advanced space program that has seen major growth over the last several years. Additionally, the Indian commercial space sector is on the threshold of significant change. To develop and enhance Indian private sector participation in the country’s space programs and to expand its share of the global market, in May 2020 the Indian government announced access for the Indian private sector to its space activities and programs, a major shift in policy. India’s share of the global U.S.$360 billion space market currently stands at less than three percent. India’s launch business currently accounts for less than 1% of the global launch services market generating revenues worth $288 million in a global market of $35 billion. India’s recent steps towards privatization potentially create opportunities for international space companies. In recent years, some Indian start-ups have developed innovative space systems, launch vehicles, and small satellites to include on future Indian launches. As the Indian private sector gears up to play a greater role in Indian space programs, Indian industry will look towards international cooperation and partnerships to develop and upgrade their capabilities. This presents opportunities for U.S. space companies to partner with Indian industry and participate in Indian space programs.

Defense
India enjoys a unique status as a Major Defense Partner of the United States. As bilateral ties between the United States and India grow, cooperation in the defense sector is likely to grow in parallel. Defense is one of the most promising sectors for U.S. exports to India, thanks to American technological edge and India’s security situation. India has already procured over $18 billion in equipment, including Boeing Apache and Chinook helicopters; P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft; C-17 heavy transport aircraft; Lockheed Martin C-130s; and BAE M-777 howitzers. The Make in India policy makes it imperative for US companies to reorient market strategy. With the Indian government’s focused approach to expanding indigenous defense manufacturing, US firms may struggle initially. India’s defense ministry has included 310 items (weapons and platforms) to date in restricted import list. Foreign competition on government procurements in India is intense. Major U.S. defense companies are expanding manufacturing operations in India to support the Indian government’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defense industry. This will create additional opportunities for second and third tier U.S. suppliers. India’s 2022 Defense Budget reserves 25 percent of total Research & Development (R&D) spendings for start-ups and private sector, including design and development of military equipment and platforms. This may be seen as a major opportunity for the U.S. companies to collaborate with local partners in this segment.

Upcoming Events:

For companies seeking in-person opportunities to enter the Indian market, there are at least three events of interest:

• Bengaluru Space Expo (BSE) 2022, Bengaluru, India. September 5-7, 2022, Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India’s premier business chamber in association with the Indian space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), the three-day event will comprise of exhibition and an international conference highlighting developments in the Indian space sector and providing a platform for Indian and International space agencies and private businesses to interact and explore partnership opportunities.
• Aerospace India Trade Mission, Main stops (New Delhi, Hyderabad), Spin-off stops (Mumbai, Bengaluru), September 19-23,2022. The purpose of the mission is to introduce U.S. companies to India’s aerospace ecosystem and assist delegate companies with finding business partners and exporting their products and services to the region.
• Aero India 2023, Bengaluru, India, Dates TBD, The Aero India 2023 show is organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and it is the country's largest biennial premier air show and aviation exhibition. The show demonstrates military and civilian aircraft and related articles to potential partners, and to announce new policy developments.

Nisha Wadhawan, Aerospace & Defense Commercial Specialist U.S. Embassy - India, New Delhi Nisha.Wadhawan@trade.gov

Top U.S. Export Destinations, India

U.S. Aerospace & Defense Exports (USD) to SAARC
12-Month Totals (March 2021 - February 2022)

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Visuals and data...

Industry Trade Advisory Committee, Aerospace Equipment (ITAC1)

The U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) have established a new four-year charter term ending in February 2026 for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs) and are accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as members.

The nonpartisan, industry input provided by the ITACs is important in developing unified trade policy objectives and positions when the United States negotiates and implements trade agreements. The ITACs may also address other trade policy issues, e.g., government procurement and subsidies, in ad hoc working groups.

How do I apply?
To be considered for ITAC membership, interested persons should complete the ITAC Member Application, and other requested documents available at www.trade.gov/industry-trade-advisory-center.

Any Questions regarding the ITAC’s or the activities of ITAC 1 Aerospace Equipment please contact the Designated Federal Officers for the Committee:
Robert McEntire, Senior International Trade Specialist
Robert.McEntire@trade.gov
(t)202-604-1152

Jonathan Alvear, International Trade Specialist
Jonathan.Alvear@trade.gov
(t)202-839-2360

Signature Events & Programs

India Aerospace Trade Mission New Delhi and Hyderabad September 19-23, 2022

Join this mission to be introduced tp U.S. companies to India’s aerospace ecosystem and find business partners.
Why You Should Join:
 - Gain market insights, make industry and government contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects.
 - Learn about Indian market priorities, policy and regulatory changes, projects, and business opportunities, as well as strategies to navigate the business climate in India.
 - Participate in one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, or joint venture partners in New Delhi and Hyderabad with optional appointments available in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
 - Participate in Networking Receptions.

Click here for more information and contact Amy Magat or Oscar Magana to sign-up.

Executive-Led Aerospace & Defense Trade Mission to the Middle East Israel, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain  November 6-11, 2022

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), is organizing an Aerospace and Defense Trade Mission to the Middle East on November 6-11, 2022. This mission will be led by Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary for Global Markets. The purpose of the mission is to introduce U.S. companies to the aerospace and defense ecosystem in key Middle Eastern countries, and assist delegate companies with finding business partners and exporting their products and services to the region.

Mission delegates will have access to business development opportunities across Israel, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Participating firms will gain market insight, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing U.S. exports of products and services in the aerospace and defense sectors. The subsectors will depend on the nature of the market, potential demand, prospective government procurements, and other factors closer to the start of recruitment.

The mission will include customized one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners. It will also include meetings with central, state, and local government officials and industry leaders, as well as networking events.

Full details and sign-up information is located on our web site.  Please direct questions to Melissa Grosso or Fernando Jimenez.

Farnborough 2022 Know Before You Go Webinar June 29, 2022, 10:00AM PST

The U,S, Commercial Service and Kallman Worldwide will host a Know Before You Go Webinar in the lead up to Farnborough 2022.  This informational webinar will include a market briefing, information on show logistics and services offered in the USA Partnership Pavilion.

The USA Partnership Pavilion has only a few spaces available. Don’t miss your chance to meet decision makers from Europe and around the world at Farnborough 2022.

Sign-up here...

Questions on this program? Please contact: April Redmon

Global Trade Events

• France, Jun. 13-17, 2022
  Eurosatory
• Germany, Jun. 22-26, 2022
  ILA Berlin - Pioneering Aerospace
• Turkey, Jun. 28-30, 2022
  SEDEC
• U.K., Jul. 18-22, 2022
  Farnborough
• Thailand, Aug. 29 - Sep. 1, 2022
  Defense Security
• India, Sep. 5-7, 2022
  Bengaluru Space Expo (BSE) 2022
• Canada, Sep. 6-8, 2022
  International Aerospace Week
• Poland, Sep. 6-9, 2022
  International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO)
• U.K., Sep. 7-8, 2022
  Space-Comm Expo
• South Africa, Sep. 21-25, 2022
  Africa Aerospace & Defense (AAD)
• U.K., Oct. 18-20, 2022
  MRO Europe
• Orlando, FL, Oct. 18-20, 2022
  NBAA-BACE
• Kazakhstan, Oct. 19-21, 2022
  Airport Expo 2022
• U.K., Nov. 2-3, 2022
  Three Counties Defence & Security Expo (3CDSE)
• Indonesia, Nov. 2-5, 2022
  Indo Defence
• Mexico, Nov. 15-16, 2022
  Mexico's Aerospace Summit
• France, Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 2022
  Aeromart Toulouse 2022
• Australia, Feb. 28 - Mar. 5, 2023
  Avalon Airshow

Contact Us

Our mission is to increase U.S. exports, enhance job creation, strengthen national security, promote and protect U.S. commercial interests abroad, and deliver customized solutions to ensure that U.S. businesses compete and win in the global marketplace. Export assistance is provided to U.S. companies who manufacture goods and/or provide services of at least 51% U.S. content. We assist companies in the following areas: International Trade Counseling, Business Matchmaking, Market Intelligence, Customized Services, and much more. Contact Us to find your local International Trade Specialist.

Please direct newsletter questions to Erica Ramirez at Erica.Ramirez@trade.gov. 

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Tools To Win!

Market Research by Country

• India
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
  
  More...

Export Statistics

Monthly U.S. Civil Aircraft, Engines, and Parts Exports

Exports (billions, USD)

Top 20 U.S. Civil Aircraft, Engines, and Parts Export Destinations
(March 2021 - February 2022)

12-Month Total Exports (billions, USD)

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