Bangladesh, Oct. 31 -- In a major step toward bolstering self-reliance in aviation and deepening its long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow, Indias state-owned aerospace and defense giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russias United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to jointly manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100) in India. The landmark agreement, signed in Moscow on October 27, marks the first joint production of a civilian aircraft between the two nations – a significant departure from their traditional military-centered collaboration.

HAL and UACs cooperation represents a new chapter in India-Russia industrial relations. For decades, the two countries have mainta...