The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded with the successful adoption of the Delhi Declaration, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two-day event, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 11th to 12th September, saw participation from 29 countries, including ministers and policymakers, along with 8 international organisations, notably the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which celebrated its 80th anniversary.
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in collaboration with ICAO, brought together top civil aviation leaders to address key regional challenges and opportunities. A significant outcome of the event is the Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive framework for enhancing regional cooperation and fostering sustainable growth in the civil aviation sector.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s advancements in civil aviation, noting the country’s efforts to make the sector more inclusive. “In India, 15% of the pilots are women, which is more than the global average of 5%, and we have issued an advisory to further increase this number,” said the Prime Minister. He also emphasised India’s transition from being aviation-exclusive to becoming aviation-inclusive over the last decade and the sector’s role in connecting people, culture, and prosperity.
The Prime Minister proposed the creation of an ‘International Buddhist Circuit,’ connecting holy sites related to Lord Buddha across Asia, which he said would benefit the civil aviation sector, travellers, and the economies of participating countries.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, citing the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign and planting 80,000 saplings in honour of ICAO’s 80th anniversary. He emphasised India’s vision to expand to 350-400 airports by 2047, further positioning the nation as a leader in global aviation.
ICAO Council President Mr Salvatore reaffirmed the need to maintain high levels of safety and security in aviation, while Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol highlighted the importance of discussions on aviation safety, air navigation, security, and green aviation.
Several key highlights marked Day 2, including ICAO’s presentation on establishing the Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office to support smaller nations with aviation challenges. The formal adoption of the Delhi Declaration followed extensive ministerial deliberations, and a ceremony commemorating ICAO’s 80 years of shaping international aviation standards was held, underscoring its pivotal role in global aviation.