Hyderabad Event report
First edition of the Indo-French Defence & Aerospace Forum
IFCCI conducted the first edition of the Indo-French Defence & Aerospace Forum in Hyderabad on Thursday, 13th November 2025.
The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) successfully conducted the first edition of the Indo-French Defence & Aerospace Forum in Hyderabad on Thursday, 13th November 2025, bringing together 100+ industry leaders for engaging discussions on the evolving Indo-French landscape, and partnerships across Defence, Aerospace, Space, and MRO.
The event began with an introductory note on IFCCI by Mr. Priyank Prakash, Senior Manager, Advocacy & Content, IFCCI followed by the official welcome address by Mr. Yohann Samuel, Regional Director, IFCCI South.
Mr. Thibaut Spor, Aeronautical and Civil Aviation Counsellor at the French Treasury of the French Embassy in India emphasized France’s long-standing commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and the growing strategic importance of India in the Indo-Pacific aerospace landscape.
Succeeding which, Mr. Praveen P A, Director, Aerospace & Defence, Logistics, Govt. of Telangana, highlighted Telangana’s growing role as an aerospace hub.
Thereafter, Mr. Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice President India at Thales, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of co-innovation & how Indo-French partnerships are shaping the future of aerospace technology, digitalization, and defence capability building.
Panel 1: Current Landscape & Opportunities in Defence & Aerospace
Moderated by Brigadier Dr. Inder Sethi, Strategic Innovation and Leadership Consultant with the following speakers
• Mr. François-Xavier BATTESTI, Managing Director, SII India
• Mr. Sanjay Nekkanti, Founder & CEO, , Founder & CEO, Dhruva Space
The panel highlighted how French engineering excellence & India’s strength in software, AI, and space innovation create powerful synergies. Speakers also underscored the importance of cross-country exposure, trust-building, and the rise of India’s private space ecosystem with over 300 SMEs contributing to mission-driven growth.
Panel 2: Indo-French Collaboration for Operational Excellence in MRO
Moderated by Ms. Namita Das, Partner, Dentons Link Legal with the following speakers
• Mr. Ameer Jillella, Vice President & Global Delivery Head, Cyient
• Mr. Dinesh Bohra, CEO, GMR Aero Technic
• Mr. Pierre Fernandez, Managing Director, Safran Aircraft Engine Services India
• Mr. Shalya Rath, Director India, LGM
The discussion focused on talent development, long-term training modules, digital transformation, sustainability-driven operations, and building a robust ecosystem that offers integrated MRO solutions for global clients. The panel also highlighted the need for stronger industry–academia partnerships and collaborative innovation to prepare India’s workforce for next-generation aerospace & MRO demands.
Special Thanks to our Partners:
Gold Partners: Ziegler Aerospace, GMR Group
Outreach Partner: GIFAS - Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales
Beverage Partner: Sula Vineyards
