In 2000, India also signed an agreement with Russia, external for help in manufacturing the NAL’s 15-seater Saras aircraft. The plane made its maiden flight in May 2004, but the project was stalled in 2009 after three pilots were killed during an accident involving its second prototype.

The project was revived by the Indian government years later with the next prototype Saras MK2, a 19-seater plane, but it is still awaiting certification.

Another such project, the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) has also seen very little progress through the years. Feasibility reports for the 90-seater, comparable to the Russian SJ-100, were submitted in 2011, with little progress since.

Aviation experts say aircraft manufacturing in India has faced hurdles for a long time now.

Dr Abhay Pashilkar, director of NAL, points that the “lack of large domestic demand” until recently, along with a shortage of highly skilled manpower and a small domestic manufacturing ecosystem, has held back growth in the sector.

The way out, he adds, is “to engage with Indian as well as global manufacturers”.

So, could the SJ-100 project indeed be a game-changer?

For now, it appears so.

The plan offers a “practical approach” as India’s own projects are nowhere near completion, says Gopal Sutar, former spokesperson of the HAL.

For Moscow as well, wider acceptance of the SJ-100 would prove that they could make a civil aircraft without western technology.

While the deal comes with clear trade-offs and leaves questions about the future of India’s aviation manufacturing ambitions, experts like Mr Sutar argue that Russia’s role as a “steadfast supporter” of India remains key.

“Sanctions could pose challenges, but that would have been factored in by both countries,” he said.

Aircraft availability is only part of India’s aviation challenge; rapid expansion also hinges on trained crews.

Earlier this month, IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights due to “poor planning of pilot rosters,” leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded for hours or even days.

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