Is Karnataka the Ultimate Hub for India's Aerospace Sector?

Bengaluru, July 16 (NationPress) In response to Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh's invitation to aerospace firms to relocate to his state, the Karnataka government asserted on Wednesday that it provides more than just land—it spearheads India's aerospace ecosystem.

In a post on social media platform X, Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, remarked, "Dear Nara Lokesh, Karnataka doesn’t just provide land; it hosts India’s premier aerospace and defence ecosystem."

He further underscored, "Over the years, we have developed the nation’s most robust aerospace foundation, accounting for 65 percent of India’s aerospace production and holding the No. 1 position nationally, and 3rd globally."

"It’s not merely about land—it’s about skilled talent, innovation, and a reliable ecosystem. We have the expertise on what to do, when to act, and how to succeed. Nothing is slipping away," Minister Patil asserted. Karnataka is projected to be among the first states to achieve a $1 trillion economy. Moreover, it continues to attract new industries while existing ones expand here," he added.

"We will always guarantee the necessary LAND and ecosystem to foster both growth and new investments," Patil emphasized.

"Best wishes to your state as well," Patil concluded.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh had expressed on X, "Dear Aerospace industry, it’s unfortunate to hear this. I have a more appealing proposition for you. Why not consider Andhra Pradesh? We have an attractive aerospace policy with top-tier incentives and over 8000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Looking forward to discussing this further."

In response to Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh's outreach to the aerospace sector following Karnataka's decision to halt the acquisition of 1,777 acres for an Aerospace Park near Bengaluru airport, Minister Patil stated that no industry would depart the state due to a land shortage.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Patil remarked, "I will address Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh at a suitable time. He believes he can exploit our challenges. However, our situation is stable."

In a significant development, the Congress-led Karnataka government announced on Tuesday that it has terminated the land acquisition efforts in Channarayapattana and neighboring villages in Devahanahalli taluk, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Devanahalli is in proximity to Bengaluru International Airport.

The government sought to acquire 1,777 acres in Devanahalli for an aerospace initiative after receiving requests for land allocation in that area. However, local farmers and landowners organized a strong protest.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared during a meeting at Vidhana Soudha with officials and farmer representatives regarding the land acquisition process, "We have entirely abandoned the land acquisition in Channarayapatna and other villages in Devanahalli taluk."

Despite the potential for industries to relocate due to the withdrawal from acquisition, the government prioritized the interests of farmers and, considering their demands, decided to cancel the land acquisition process, the Chief Minister reiterated.