Airbus’ board members completed their four-day visit to India on Thursday. India represents a crucial market for the aerospace company, as confirmed by an official, as quoted by PTI.The board conducted their first meeting in India since beginning operations here over 60 years ago during their visit, which commenced on September 29. They engaged in various activities during their stay.On Tuesday, Airbus board Chairman Rene Obermann had an meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, the official confirmed.The board visited manufacturing facilities of Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in Hyderabad and their supplier Dynamatic Technologies in Bengaluru.The delegation also had sessions with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.Goyal shared on X on Thursday about his discussions with Airbus board members, headed by Chairman Rene Obermann, regarding investments and related matters. “Also, encouraged their plans to further deepen collaboration and increase investments in India, a testament to the strength and potential of India’s aerospace sector,” he said.On September 30, Airbus and Air India revealed plans for a joint venture training centre in Haryana, investing over Rs 1,000 crore in simulators to train pilots for A320 and A350 aircraft.An Airbus spokesperson, quoted by PTI, stated on September 25 that the board’s visit represents a significant milestone, emphasising India’s importance as a critical hub for global operations. “We have already crossed the milestone of sourcing over $1.4 billion in components and services annually. We are on track to significantly increase that figure, as we continue to further integrate India into our global value chain,” the spokesperson said.The spokesperson noted Airbus’ expanding investments across India, from growing engineering and digital centres in Bengaluru to expanding industrial presence.Airbus maintains substantial involvement in India’s civil aviation and defence sectors, establishing two Final Assembly Lines: one for H125 helicopters and another for C295 military aircraft, both in partnership with TASL. The H125 FAL is under development in Vemagal, Karnataka, whilst the C295 FAL is being constructed in Vadodara, Gujarat.Additionally, IndiGo and Air India have collectively ordered more than 1,000 aircraft from Airbus.

Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. celebrated its 80th Founders’ Day on Thursday, honouring the vision of its founders, J.C. Mahindra and K.C. Mahindra. The company was established on October 2, 1945, the same day the world celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 

The story of Mahindra began even before India’s independence. In 1945, as the world emerged from war and uncertainty, the company placed an advertisement in a media outlet. Rather than promoting products, the ad made a call for enterprising individuals of all communities to join a new organisation grounded in courage, equality and opportunity.

Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said, “Eighty years ago, the Mahindra Group was born with a crystal-clear purpose: to help build our nascent nation. Our founders pledged to develop industry, create livelihoods, and enable communities to rise from the violent throes of the struggle for independence into a brighter future.”

He further said, “Today, we once again are in turbulent times, and we have the opportunity to renew that pledge to strive together to propel India towards technological self-reliance and global respect.”

Speaking on the occasion, Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “Our founders were ahead of their time. Their first ad did not talk about products or profits; it highlighted the “principles which will guide their activities”: entrepreneurship, integrity, diversity, and a fearless optimism about India’s future. Eighty years later, those principles continue to guide us as we innovate, empower communities, and drive positive change across the world.”

From assembling the first Willys jeeps in post-war India to becoming a global federation of companies spanning mobility, technology, finance, hospitality, and renewable energy, Mahindra has remained true to its founding purpose of “Rise” – the idea that Mahindra rises only when it helps others rise, according to the official statement. 

Today, the Group operates in over 100 countries, working across mobility, technology, finance, hospitality, and renewable energy. It has been a strong supporter of sustainability, skilling, gender diversity, and rural prosperity, the statement read.

It further said, “As Mahindra enters its ninth decade, the Group continues to lead with purpose-driven growth, focusing on ensuring that the values of Mahindra’s founders are carried forward for generations to come.”