Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi today, emphasized the pivotal role the aviation sector plays in making India the fastest-growing economy in the world. He noted that the government is leveraging the aviation industry to connect people, cultures, and boost prosperity across the nation.
Mr. Modi highlighted that India’s civil aviation sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with increased demand from a growing middle class driving its rapid progress. “In just a decade, India has evolved from an aviation-exclusive country to an aviation-inclusive one,” the Prime Minister said, attributing this shift to improved connectivity and the ease of travel for citizens.
He also pointed out that women are playing an essential role in this transformation, with approximately 15% of pilots in India being women, one of the highest percentages globally. Modi linked this to his government’s broader commitment to women-led development.
Speaking about future innovations, the Prime Minister introduced the concept of **Vertiports**, a model of urban air mobility that could revolutionize travel in cities, making air-taxi services a reality in the near future. This is part of the government’s broader strategy to prepare India for advanced air mobility solutions.
During the event, PM Modi announced the adoption of the **Delhi Declaration**, a strategic roadmap aimed at boosting regional connectivity, innovation, and sustainable growth in the aviation sector. He described the Declaration as a crucial step toward enhancing the Asia-Pacific region’s aviation capabilities.
To commemorate 80 years of the **International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)**, Modi also announced the planting of 80,000 trees, symbolizing India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The conference, attended by civil aviation ministers and officials from across the Asia-Pacific, reaffirmed India’s central role in shaping the future of global aviation while promoting growth, innovation, and sustainability.
