Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, representing Boeing’s largest investment outside the USA. With a significant investment of Rs 1,600 crores, the 43-acre campus aims to strengthen India’s position in the global aerospace and defense industry.
During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi also launched the Boeing Sukanya Program, designed to support the entry of more girls from across India into the burgeoning aviation sector. The program focuses on providing critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) fields, fostering interest in STEM careers through 150 planned STEM Labs, and offering scholarships to women training to become pilots.
COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope, praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to India’s aviation growth and applauded the Boeing Sukanya Program. She expressed gratitude for continued support, emphasizing Boeing’s dedication to shaping the future of aerospace through the new campus. Ms Pope highlighted Boeing’s belief in India’s talent and its commitment to becoming an exemplar of the ‘Atmanirbharta’ initiative.
Prime Minister Modi addressed the gathering, noting that Bengaluru connects aspirations to innovation and achievements. He emphasized the significance of Boeing’s new technology campus, underscoring its role in strengthening India and the global aviation market. The Prime Minister highlighted the facility’s potential to drive global tech, research, innovation, design, and demand, aligning with the ‘Make in India-Make for the World’ resolution.
Discussing India’s commitment to women’s participation in every sector, the Prime Minister acknowledged the country’s leadership in women pilots, surpassing the global average. He emphasized the government’s efforts to create opportunities for women in the aerospace sector and outlined the Boeing Sukanya Program’s role in boosting women’s participation.
Prime Minister Modi stressed the rapid growth of India’s aviation sector, resulting in increased demand and global orders for fleets. He outlined government initiatives to enhance connectivity infrastructure, increase airport efficiency, and boost air cargo capacity, contributing to overall economic growth and employment generation.
Touching upon the policy-level steps taken by the government, Prime Minister Modi highlighted efforts to reduce aviation fuel taxes and streamline Aircraft Leasing. He mentioned the International Financial Services Centers Authority in Gift City, aimed at reducing offshore dependence on aircraft leasing and financing.
Encouraging international companies to align their growth with India’s rise, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence in building a developed India over the next 25 years. He reiterated the government’s focus on upward mobility and urged stakeholders to leverage new possibilities in the expanding tourism sector.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need to build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India, leveraging the strong network of MSMEs, talent pool, and stable government. He expressed confidence in a strong partnership between India’s aspirations and Boeing’s expansion.
The event was attended by Karnataka Governor, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddarammiah, COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope, and President of Boeing India and South Asia, Mr Salil Gupte, among others. The Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center is set to become a cornerstone for collaboration with India’s startup ecosystem and contribute to the development of next-generation aerospace products and services.