New Delhi – India has approved a proposal to acquire 18 new aircraft worth more than $1 billion for the indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) currently being built for the navy. The permission to procure nine Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft and limited series production of another nine carrier-borne Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was granted by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by India Defense Minister A. K. Antony late last week, a senior defense official told Aviation Week.

India's agreement to purchase 12 helicopters from Italy is likely to be investigated in India after reports suggested irregularities in the contract.

India is likely to order its airlines not to participate in the EU emissions trading system (ETS). Incensed over what it sees as the EU’s move to slap carbon emission charges on airlines using its airspace, India also is considering the possibility of reciprocal measures, such as mandating EU carriers to submit flight details and other data, which may adversely affect airlines and entities operating from Europe.