India Forum 2025 Recap
The first-ever India Forum for the International Aerospace Women's Association in partnership with GE Aerospace, BTG Advaya and Embraer was recently hosted at the John F Welch Technology Centre. Engaging discussions on the future of aerospace innovation, the crucial need for a skilled aviation workforce, and India's ambitious journey to becoming a global aviation hub.It’s inspiring to see industry leaders collaborate to shape the next generation of aviation professionals and drive technological advancements. The energy and passion in the room were palpable! Here's to the future of flight.
Click here to see all of the event photos!
Keynote by Neelu Khatri
Inspiring message from Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP, Akasa Air on the potential of the aviation sector and the role women can play in its growth and transformation. We echo the thought that women are making incredible strides in aviation and representation at every level fuels innovation. Together, we are shaping an industry where women are leading with more opportunities to rise.
Panel 01
With collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and a vision for the future, India is poised to be a key player/front-runner in the aerospace revolution. Inspiring to see leaders such as Divya Manchanda, Saraniya P, Srishti Bajpai, Vani Mehta and Vishok M. on this panel with new learning!
Panel 02
India’s ambition to become a global aerospace hub isn’t just about technology—it’s about talent. With low awareness of deeptech but a 24% interest in aerospace careers, the key insight from our panel discussion on ‘Flying into the Future’ was clear – We need to catch them young, having a skilled workforce is the industry’s growth and bridging the skills gap with industry-academia connect. By nurturing talent early, we’re not just preparing for the future—we’re shaping it. Leading conversations about driving inclusion and diversity in the aviation sector with leaders such as Neerja Bhardwaj, Aparna C Shiela-Vadde, Dr.Srimathy Kesan and Rica Roy as part of this panel.
Panel 03
The final panel at the IAWA Forum shed light on a critical topic ‘The need to strengthen India’s defence and unlock the aerospace innovation and local manufacturing potential’. The panel highlighted the vital role of aerospace advancements, MSMEs, and startups in driving defence manufacturing. Great to see inspiring leaders such as Sqn Ldr Supriya Bhosale (Veteran), Sonal Badkul, Juhi Mehta and Hena A. contribute to this important dialogue. Exciting times ahead for India’s defence sector!
Wrap up
The first-ever IAWA India Forum was a resounding success, bringing together over 70 delegates from the industry for thought-provoking discussions on the future of aviation, space and defence. From the impact of advanced technologies to the importance of a skilled workforce, the forum highlighted the need for a more diverse representation and meaningful conversations around the sector as a whole.
The energy, insights, and collaborative spirit showcased the power of bringing diverse perspectives to the table. Here's to driving change, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of aviation together!
Thank you to our partners GEAerospace, BTG Advaya and Embraer for making this a huge success!
Click here to see all of the event photos!
