Centre mulls moves to curb helicopter, aircraft imports

The Ministry of Civil Aviation asked India’s aviation regulator and trade bodies to find ways to cut non-essential imports of short-range aircraft, turbojets and helicopters, according to a memo obtained by DH.

The move came after the Commerce Ministry’s import alert showed a huge spike in the import of aeroplanes, turbojets and helicopters by the country’s aviation sector.

“lt is requested to identify measures that can be taken to boost exports and contain a surge of non-essential imports so as to bring down the trade deficit. Industries/Associations may be consulted for a comprehensive industry appropriate strategy,” it said in the memo.