Empire Aviation Group, a Dubai-based private aviation specialist and operator of one of West Asia’s largest managed fleets of business jets, has announced plans to extend its reach into India, though the initial focus will be on aircraft sales and management. The branch office, to be opened in the country’s financial capital Mumbai, soon, will be EAG’s first operation outside Dubai and is likely to offer the company’s full range of services in the subcontinent.

The U.S. and India have signed a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) to facilitate reciprocal airworthiness certification of civil aviation products imported and exported between the two countries. The agreement, signed by India’s Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, is expected to benefit the nascent aircraft manufacturing industry in India and spur trade between the two countries.

As India prepares to spend nearly $100 billion during the next decade on the modernization of its armed forces, Defense Minister A.K. Antony is warning suppliers and vendors of stringent action against corruption in defense deals.