PM Modi, Spanish Counterpart Unveil Aircraft Facility in Vadodara After Mega Roadshow

New Delhi: The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez has landed in Gujarat 's Vadodara for a historic three-day visit to India. The Spanish Prime Minister will begin his visit with Vadodara where he will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . From a massive roadshow to the inauguration of Tata Aircraft Plant, here's what's on agenda for Pedro Sanchez India visit…

PM Modi Inaugurates TATA Aircraft Complex with Spanish Counterpart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, jointly inaugurate the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in India

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez arrived in Vadodara in the early hours of Monday; during his India visit, Sanchez will be holding delegation-level talks with PM Modi among other things. Spanish PM Sanchez was received by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Vadodara International Airport.

Pedro Sanchez's India Visit: Here's What's on Agenda 

Read to know what all is on the agenda for Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister during his historic India visit, a first by Spanish Head of Government in almost two decades.

• Sanchez will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a roadshow before jointly inaugurating the Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) facility here on Monday morning. The 2.5 km roadshow from the airport to the Tata facility will have cultural shows en route.
• Along with PM Modi, Sanchez will be inaugurating Aviation sector's flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, 'Final Assembly Line Plant of C295 Aircraft in Vadodara. This plant has been set up by Tata Advanced Systems, in collaboration with Airbus Spain.
• The two leaders will also visit the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace, where they will hold a bilateral meeting organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). They will have lunch at the palace before proceeding to their respective destinations, officials said. 
• Apart from Vadodara, Pedro Sanchez will also be going to Mumbai where he will be addressing the 4th Spain India Forum organised by the Spain-India Council Foundation and the Observer Research Foundation.
• Spanish PM will also be interacting with trade and industry leaders, think tanks and film industry apart from his official engagements.
• Sanchez will be visiting prominent film studios where he will interact with leading celebrities in Indian movie industries, to foster greater collaboration between the Indian and Spanish media and entertainment industry.
• Several MoUs/Agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, which shall give a fillip to bilateral cooperation.

Why is Spanish PM Sanchez's India Visit Important?

Highlighting the importance of Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's India visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, “President Sanchez's visit will be an opportunity to review the entire gamut of our bilateral relations and further deepen the partnership across various sectors, including trade and investment, IT, innovation, infrastructure, renewable energy, defence and security, pharma, agro-tech and biotech, culture and tourism.”

All About Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Facility in Vadodara

In Vadodara, Sanchez and Modi will jointly inaugurate the complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft by TAS, the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India. As many as 40 aircraft will be built in the Vadodara facility as part of an agreement, while aviation behemoth Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft directly.

TASL is responsible for making these 40 aircraft in India and this facility will be the first private sector final assembly line (FAL) for military planes in India. It will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem, from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete life cycle of the aircraft.

Apart from the Tatas, leading defence public sector units, such as Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, as well as private micro, small and medium enterprises will contribute to this programme.

(Inputs from Agencies)