Airbus Defence CEO Bernhard Gerwert meets PM Modi; expresses interest in Make in India

NEW DELHI: Expressing interest in the government's 'Make in India' campaign, Airbus Defence and Space CEO Bernhard Gerwert on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the press release by PMO, PM Modi and Gerwert discussed various projects in India, in the aerospace, defence and civil aviation sectors. Gerwert expressed Airbus' interest in becoming a partner in the 'Make in India' initiative, through a cluster approach with regional partners.

PM Modi welcomed the interest shown by Airbus, in India, the release said. "Gerwert recalled the Prime Minister's visit to the Airbus manufacturing facility in Toulouse, in April, and the positive atmosphere and interest generated as a result of it," it added.

India prime minister Narenda Modi, center right, talks with senior officials of Airbus as they visit the Airbus A380 Final Assembly Lane, in Blagnac Southern France,  April 11, 2015

During PM Modi's visit to its Toulouse facility, Airbus had assured him that the aircraft manufacturer's outsourcing from India will increase to $2 billion from $400 million over the next five years as part of the Indian government's Make in India initiative.

In India, Airbus Group operates two engineering centres — one focused on civil aviation and the other one defence — besides, a research and technology (R&T) centre which together employ over 400 people. The group's senior representative conveyed their decision to expand these centres so that they can take on comprehensive design responsibilities for future Airbus group programs.