NEW DELHI — The successful launch of the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) GSAT-8 geostationary satellite is expected to help civil aviation networks across the country and strengthen safety in Indian airspace.

NEW DELHI — Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony says India’s much-anticipated choice in its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program could occur before the end of March 2012. India wants to expedite the deal in part because Pakistan is expecting a speedy delivery of 50 JF-17 aircraft, which originally were to be spread out over two years, according to defense ministry officials.

India’s aviation and hospitality sectors are likely to boom with about 9 million domestic travelers planning to make a trip around the country and abroad during the summer holidays.