In a major accomplishment on the path of defence manufacturing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Made in India” C-295 military transport plane is likely to come out of an Indian factory before September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. The news is an indicator of “Made in India” becoming an important focus area for the nation, adapting to global manufacturing practices and offering collaboration opportunities worldwide for defence equipment.
Jaishankar’s comments came during a meeting with Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, where he also appealed to the international community to embrace a “zero tolerance” against terrorism and adopt greater international cooperation in this respect.
C-295 Project: A Boost to India’s Defence Manufacturing
Referring to the landmark C-295 aircraft programme, Jaishankar said the upcoming rollout reflects the increasing depth of India-Spain defence industrial cooperation.
In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez inaugurated the C-295 final assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a turning point in India’s defence production ecosystem.
Under a ₹21,935-crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive 56 C-295 transport aircraft, of which 40 will be manufactured in India. The aircraft are expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s tactical airlift capabilities while strengthening domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Call for Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism
During the bilateral talks, Jaishankar emphasised that the global order is undergoing profound change, making international cooperation more critical than ever.
“This is particularly the case with respect to combating terrorism, where both India and Spain have been victims. The world must display zero tolerance towards terrorism,” he said.
The statement reinforces India’s consistent stand on counter-terrorism and its push for collective global action against extremist threats.
Growing India-Spain Trade and Economic Ties
Jaishankar highlighted that economic partnership is a key pillar of India-Spain relations.
- Spain is among India’s important trade partners in the European Union
- Bilateral trade in goods has crossed USD 8 billion in recent years
- Spanish companies have a strong presence in infrastructure, renewable energy, urban mobility, engineering and water management
- Indian firms are active in Spain in IT, pharmaceuticals and automotive components
He noted that there is significant potential to further deepen business cooperation across sectors.
Support for India-EU Ties, Indo-Pacific Initiative
The External Affairs Minister also thanked Spain for supporting stronger India-EU relations across multiple domains. He welcomed Spain’s decision to join the India-backed Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, which promotes cooperation on maritime security, sustainable development and regional stability.
Human-Centric Approach to Artificial Intelligence in India
Jaishankar also cited the AI Impact Summit being hosted by India next month, pointing toward New Delhi’s responsible vision for emerging technologies.
“Our approach to AI is human-centric, inclusive, and responsible with an ethical use. I think it is very similar to the approach of Europe,” he said.
Commemorating 70 Years of India-Spain Diplomatic Relations
Both India and Spain will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2026, and this is a clear reflection of the decades of cooperation and engagement based on their common democratic values and a rules-based international order.
He emphasised the strong people-to-people ties and the popularity of yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian culture in Spain, as well as the interest in Spanish language and culture in India. The number of tourists, according to Jaishankar, was a fast-growing sector of the strategic partnership.
To commemorate this, a logo for the year 2026 has been designed by Jaishankar for the India-Spain ‘Dual Year’ for Culture & Tourism, from a pool of 1,900 entries submitted for an open competition.
The expected rollout of the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft before September represents a significant step forward in India’s defence self-reliance and industrial capability. Alongside growing trade ties, cultural exchange and shared values, the India-Spain partnership continues to deepen across defence, technology and global governance.
As India strengthens its manufacturing base and global collaborations, initiatives like the C-295 project reflect New Delhi’s broader commitment to strategic autonomy, resilient supply chains and responsible global leadership.
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