The launch of UDAN scheme opens up a huge opportunity for the sector, says envoy

There might be a market in India for Indonesian aircraft, with the country manufacturing a number of small, short take-off landing aircraft, a top Indonesian official said.

Speaking at an interactive meeting with members of the India-ASEAN-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Ambassador Extraordinary, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, said with the UDAN scheme “there might be something (trade) we can do in that area”.

Mr. Suryodipuro said small aircraft — 35 seaters, 90 seaters and short take-off aircraft were being manufactured in Indonesia and could serve the Indian aviation market.

Education sector

He also said there was need for a broader framework between the two countries for educational cooperation. “Indonesian students coming to India is probably only 150 per year…it is disappointing,” Mr. Suryodipuro said.

But, the Ambassador added the bilateral relationship was picking up, with a large number of high profile visits in January.

S. Soundara Rajan, president of the Chamber, said Indian companies had invested more than $15 billion in Indonesia, mainly in infrastructure, power, textile, steel and consumer goods.

“Indonesia is strong in plantations, low-cost housing and retail, which India needs to develop besides coal and palm oil,” he said.

Mr. Rajan said, however, the balance of trade was against India in the relationship with a trade deficit of around $9 billion.

“In 2016, Indian exports to Indonesia were $3.13 billion, but imports were $12.18 billion,” he said.