Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, details new aeronautics and defence training initiative at NSTI Kanpur under ₹60,000 crore PM-SETU plan
New Delhi, February 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence at the National Skill Training Institute, Kanpur, in collaboration with the Government of the French Republic. The initiative will be implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The announcement was made during a joint press statement with the President of France while inaugurating the India-France Year of Innovation and related cooperation initiatives, including the proposed aeronautics skilling centre.
The Centre at Kanpur will focus on advanced training in aeronautics, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations, airport operations, defence manufacturing, and allied sectors. It is intended to strengthen India’s aviation and aerospace workforce capabilities in alignment with industry demand.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State Independent Charge for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, said, “Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, PM-SETU is redefining the future of India’s ITI ecosystem. The National Centre of Excellence in Aviation at Kanpur will not only create a pipeline of globally competent aviation professionals but also deepen India’s strategic partnership with France in emerging and advance technology sectors. This initiative reflects our commitment to aligning skills with global standards, enabling mobility, and preparing our youth for emerging opportunities in aeronautics, defence and advanced manufacturing.”
A Letter of Intent has been exchanged between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Government of the French Republic to formalise collaboration under the PM-SETU framework. The understanding builds on the India-France Strategic Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 in the field of skill development and vocational education and training.
The collaboration envisages co-designed curricula, structured training of trainers programmes, periodic joint reviews, exchange initiatives, language training, and mobility pathways. Cooperation will also extend to aeronautics, space, and related domains. The Letter of Intent records mutual intent pending execution of a detailed agreement governing implementation.
With an overall outlay of ₹60,000 crore, PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1000 Industrial Training Institutes across India by modernising infrastructure, aligning curricula with industry needs, and strengthening employability outcomes. In addition to Kanpur, proposed National Centres of Excellence are planned in Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bhubaneswar, aligned with regional industrial priorities.
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