Russia is preparing for a significant expansion in India’s civil aviation market, with proposed agreements covering as many as 105 regional passenger aircraft and advanced discussions on manufacturing the SJ-100 jet in the country.

United Aircraft Corporation is expected to advance several agreements with Indian aviation companies during Innoprom India in New Delhi. The negotiations centre on potential orders for the IL-114-300 turboprop aircraft and a wider plan to establish local SJ-100 production. UAC chief executive Vadim Badekha said talks with Indian partners had progressed considerably over the previous six months. Several agreements could be formalised during the industrial exhibition, which is being held ahead of the BRICS summit.

The proposed transactions include 50 IL-114-300 aircraft for Pinnacle Air, up to 20 for Air Kerala and another 35 connected to a memorandum of understanding with Sleek Aviation. Together, these potential agreements cover as many as 105 aircraft. However, the proposals remain at different stages, and the final number will depend on completed negotiations, formal contracts and regulatory approvals.

The IL-114-300 is designed for regional passenger operations and could be considered for routes linking smaller Indian cities. Aircraft in this category can support regional connectivity by serving airports where demand may not justify the deployment of larger jets.

UAC’s latest push follows a preliminary agreement signed with Flamingo Aerospace in January for the possible supply of six IL-114-300 aircraft. That agreement was concluded during the Wings India aviation exhibition in Hyderabad. The growing list of prospective customers suggests that Russia sees India’s expanding regional aviation market as an opportunity for long-term commercial growth.

India’s aviation sector has experienced rapid passenger growth, but improving air connectivity between smaller cities remains a major industry priority. Regional aircraft capable of operating on shorter routes could help airlines expand their networks while matching capacity with local demand.

The proposed IL-114-300 deals would represent a notable entry by a Russian commercial aircraft programme into the Indian market. Any final orders would also require arrangements for maintenance, spare parts, pilot training and technical support.

For Indian operators, commercial viability will depend on acquisition costs, fuel efficiency, reliability and the availability of after-sales services. Regulatory certification and compatibility with local airport infrastructure will also be important before the aircraft can enter regular service. The negotiations therefore involve more than aircraft purchases. They could create opportunities for aviation training, maintenance facilities, component supply and technical partnerships between companies in both countries.

Russia is also considering India as a manufacturing base for the SJ-100 regional jet. According to UAC, discussions on producing the aircraft locally are about 80 per cent complete, with an agreement expected soon.

UAC and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed an agreement earlier in 2026 concerning the licensed joint production of the SJ-100 in India. Local manufacturing could give India a larger role in commercial aircraft production while helping Russia broaden the programme’s industrial base.

If finalised, the arrangement could involve assembly, component manufacturing, technical training and the gradual development of an Indian supply chain. The precise level of localisation and the production schedule have not yet been disclosed. The project could also support India’s effort to reduce dependence on imported commercial aircraft and build domestic aerospace capabilities. However, its success would depend on certification, financing, supply-chain reliability and sustained orders from airlines.

Innoprom India is being held in New Delhi from September 9 to 11 and has brought together more than 120 Russian and Indian companies. The exhibition is taking place ahead of the BRICS summit, giving both countries a platform to advance industrial and commercial discussions.

India and Russia have traditionally maintained strong cooperation in defence and energy. The proposed aviation agreements indicate an effort to expand that relationship into civil aircraft, regional connectivity and commercial manufacturing. For Russia, India offers a large aviation market and potential industrial partnerships. For India, the discussions could provide access to additional aircraft options and opportunities to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

The 105-plane figure represents proposed deals rather than confirmed deliveries. Details such as pricing, delivery schedules, financing and regulatory approvals are expected to become clearer only after final agreements are signed. If the negotiations succeed, they could mark a major new chapter in India-Russia aerospace ties, extending cooperation beyond defence platforms into regional passenger aviation and locally manufactured commercial aircraft.