A new India–France National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Aeronautics and Defence Skills is set to be established at the National Skill Training Institute in Kanpur. This centre will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. The scheme is designed to modernise Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and improve employability. The announcement was made alongside the President of France during the launch of the India–France Year of Innovation.
As per the press release from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Kanpur centre will provide advanced training in aeronautics, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), airport operations, defence manufacturing, and related fields. It is expected to become a world-class institution that strengthens India’s aviation and defence workforce while supporting the country’s growing aerospace ecosystem.
The initiative is part of a broader India–France partnership in skill development. A Letter of Intent has been signed to co-design curricula, train trainers, conduct joint programme reviews, and create exchange opportunities. Language training and mobility pathways will also be developed, helping Indian youth access global opportunities in aeronautics and allied sectors.
According to Minister Jayant Chaudhary, the centre will create a pipeline of globally- competent professionals, aligning Indian skills with international standards. This will open doors for young people in high-demand areas such as advanced manufacturing, defence, and emerging technologies.
PM-SETU has an overall budget of Rs 60,000 crore to upgrade 1,000 ITIs across India. Besides Kanpur’s aviation-focused centre, other Centres of Excellence will be set up in Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bhubaneswar, each tailored to regional industrial strengths.
This collaboration marks a major step in preparing India’s workforce for the future. By combining global expertise with local training, the initiative will expand job opportunities, support innovation, and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.