The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, inaugurated a four-day Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop from October 28 to 31, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This event marks India’s first time hosting the APAC-AIG, bringing together approximately 90 international delegates from Asia Pacific aviation safety authorities and related global organizations.
Event Inauguration and Participation
The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, with participation from dignitaries representing the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAIB India, DGCA India, ICAO APAC Regional Office, and senior officials from various Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Authorities. Shri GVG Yugandhar, Director General of AAIB, emphasized the bureau’s active role in global aviation safety initiatives and offered India’s aviation laboratory facilities for accident investigations to member states. Delegates received gifts promoting Yoga and wellness, and a cultural tour of Akshardham Temple was arranged during the event.
Key Focus and Contributions
Mr. Stuart Godley, ICAO APAC-AIG Chairman, highlighted the meeting’s objective to enhance cooperation among accident investigation authorities across the Asia Pacific region. The gathering promotes sharing technical knowledge, experiences, and best practices to strengthen regional accident investigation capabilities. The Secretary of Civil Aviation discussed India’s adherence to ICAO standards, capacity-building initiatives such as establishing the National Aviation Safety Center at Jewar, and legislative enhancements aimed at elevating safety oversight through organizations like DGCA and AAIB.
Regional Aviation Safety Milestones
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu’s message underscored the Asia Pacific region’s leadership in maintaining a lower accident rate compared to global averages over the past decade, reflecting robust collective safety commitment. India has significantly improved its ICAO Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) implementation from 70% in 2018 to 85% in 2025, moving its global safety ranking from 112 to 55. The expanding Indian aviation market, rapidly growing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, aims to develop up to 400 airports by 2047, emphasizing the continuation of high safety standards.
Conclusion
The four-day APAC-AIG meeting and workshop signify India’s expanding role in global aviation safety and regional leadership in accident investigations. Fostered by collaboration among Asia Pacific member states and international experts, this event contributes to building a safer aviation ecosystem aligned with India’s ambitious growth in air connectivity.
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Source: PIB
