Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu at the Russia’s Ilyushin IL-114-300after inaugurating the static display at Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad on January 28, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Siddhant Thakur
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) inaugurated the static display at Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, asserting that India is looking to strengthen global partnerships in the aviation sector amid its growing international stature.
The Minister after inauguration took a walkaround of the aircraft on display. He first visited Air India’s first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as VT-AWA, followed by Air India Express’s Boeing 737-8. He later toured the Ilyushin IL-114-300 showcased by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, marking the first time the aircraft has been exhibited outside Russia.
Addressing the media at the venue, Mr. Naidu said India wants to deepen its relationships with organisations and countries across the world, particularly in aviation. “India is being viewed globally as a country with stable and decisive leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the government intends to build on existing international partnerships,” he added.
He said a key focus of Wings India 2026 would be to explore how India can facilitate stronger ties globally through aviation, especially with countries of the Global South where India has assumed a leadership role. The event has drawn delegations from more than 20 countries, and around 3,000 participants including domestic and international businesses.
Besides the aircraft on static display, the exhibition features aviation components, aircraft-related products, avionics and emerging technologies. Mr. Naidu said these platforms would enable discussions and deliberations on technological advancements shaping the sector.
Highlighting sustainability as a major theme, the Minister said India remains committed to global environmental goals in aviation, including carbon reduction initiatives and the implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the country. These forward-looking measures, he said, position India to play a leading role or serve as a key global partner in the future of aviation.
Wings India 2026 is a four-day event. The first two days are reserved for industry stakeholders and ministerial-level discussions, while the remaining two days will be open to the general public at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Published – January 28, 2026 08:58 am IST
