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- “We’re Building an Ecosystem, Not Just Infrastructure”: TIDCO MD at ADM Chennai
- “Tamil Nadu’s Defence Corridors Are Engines of Global Partnership”
- TIDCO’s CEO reiterates Tamil Nadu’s Trillion-Dollar Aerospace Vision at AeroDefCon 2025
By Sangeeta Saxena
Chennai Trade Centre. 07 October 2025. As Tamil Nadu cements its position as India’s aerospace and 
defence manufacturing frontier, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has emerged as the strategic driver of this transformation. At the inaugural edition of AeroDefCon 2025 / ADM Chennai, Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) sat down for an exclusive conversation with Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Managing Director and CEO of TIDCO, to understand how the state is translating vision into reality. From co-hosting one of India’s largest aerospace business platforms in partnership with BCI Aerospace of France, to nurturing distributed growth through the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, He outlines a roadmap that is as ambitious as it is actionable. In this insightful interview, he shares how Tamil Nadu is enabling global partnerships, building indigenous capabilities, and inviting the world to “build the future here.”
ADU. AeroDefCon 2025 marks a milestone for Tamil Nadu. What is the significance of this event for the state?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. AeroDefCon 2025 is not just an event—it is a bold declaration of Tamil Nadu’s intent to be at the forefront of aerospace and defence manufacturing in India. Co-hosted by TIDCO and BCI Aerospace (France), it represents our strategic commitment to attracting global OEMs, integrating MSMEs into global supply chains, and showcasing the depth of our capabilities—from component manufacturing to systems integration. This event is also a reflection of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M. K. Stalin’s vision for Tamil Nadu as a future-ready state, not only in terms of infrastructure and policy, but in technological leadership and global partnerships.
ADU. How did the partnership with BCI Aerospace come about and what role does it play in this event?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. BCI Aerospace is known worldwide for its successful aerospace B2B events such as Aeromart Toulouse, Aeromart Hyderabad, and A&DSS Seattle. We saw an opportunity to bring that proven matchmaking platform to Tamil Nadu, and to localise it to our unique ecosystem. Our collaboration with BCI Aerospace ensured that ADM Chennai / AeroDefCon 2025 was not just a display but a deal-making platform. Over 5,500 pre-arranged B2B meetings were scheduled between OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, MSMEs, and government stakeholders. This ensures tangible outcomes—MoUs, JV discussions, and real investments.
ADU. What message does Tamil Nadu want to send to the global aerospace and defence community through AeroDefCon?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. Our message is clear—Come, Build the Future Here. Tamil Nadu is not just investment-ready; we are innovation-ready, infrastructure-ready and globally connected. With our Defence Industrial Corridor, dedicated aerospace and defence parks, a skilled workforce, and a strong industrial base, Tamil Nadu offers a compelling proposition for OEMs looking to build in India, not just for India, but for the world.
ADU. TIDCO has been central to industrial growth in the state. What specific role is it playing in the aerospace and defence sectors?
Sandeep Nanduri , IAS. TIDCO is the nodal agency for developing Tamil Nadu’s aerospace and defence infrastructure. We’ve developed parks in Sriperumbudur and Sulur, and are actively working on new clusters in Hosur and Coimbatore. We are also the coordinating agency for the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). From facilitating land allotment, enabling plug-and-play infrastructure, to coordinating with DPSUs and private investors, TIDCO acts as the bridge between vision and implementation.
ADU. Tamil Nadu’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) ecosystem was mentioned by both the CM and Industry Minister. Could you elaborate on that?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. Absolutely. MRO is a key vertical in our strategy. Air Works already operates an MRO in Hosur, and we are building on that by proposing a new airport at Hosur, which will house a larger integrated MRO facility. In addition, the upcoming Parandur Greenfield Airport near Chennai will feature a 1,000+ acre MRO zone. This will enable both civil and military MRO operations and significantly reduce aircraft turnaround times while creating local jobs and upskilling opportunities.
ADU. What were the challenges in organising an event of this magnitude, and how did TIDCO overcome them?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. Organising an international event with 18 participating nations, over 300 companies, and thousands of pre-scheduled meetings was no small task. But TIDCO thrives on execution. With strong backing from the state government, active coordination with central ministries, and support from partners like BCI Aerospace, we ensured seamless planning. Every challenge—from logistics and security to stakeholder outreach and infrastructure—was met with a solution-oriented approach. Our goal was to set a new benchmark for industrial expos in India, and based on the feedback, I believe we have succeeded. My team at TIDCO worked tiredlessly to make it so.
ADU. How do you view Tamil Nadu’s position in India’s defence manufacturing landscape?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. Tamil Nadu is already the manufacturing powerhouse of India. What we are now doing is leveraging that strength into defence and aerospace. With our component suppliers, automotive expertise, precision manufacturing clusters, and electronics industry, we have all the ingredients. And we are backing this with tailored policies, fiscal incentives, single-window clearances, and infrastructure. Our aim is to be India’s most attractive, reliable, and innovation-friendly destination for defence and aerospace manufacturing.
ADU. What would be your message to global investors and OEMs?
Sandeep Nanduri, IAS. If you are looking for long-term value, dependable partnerships, world-class infrastructure, and a state committed to co-creation—Tamil Nadu is your destination. We don’t just invite investment. We partner in growth. With TIDCO, you’ll find a responsive government, sector-specific industrial parks, strategic location, skilled manpower, and seamless logistics. Most importantly, you’ll find a partner in progress.
ADU. What’s next after AeroDefCon 2025?
Sandeep Nanduri ,IAS. AeroDefCon 2025 is just the beginning. TIDCO will continue to facilitate follow-ups on all the B2B meetings, MoUs, and expressions of interest. We’ll work closely with global and Indian companies to convert intent into investment. We are also planning sector-specific investor meets, skill development initiatives, and cluster deepening. For Tamil Nadu, the future is not just being planned—it’s being built, with precision, purpose, and partnership.
With a clear roadmap, proactive policy support, and an unmatched industrial base, Tamil Nadu is indeed emerging as India’s aerospace and defence frontier. Under the leadership of Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, TIDCO has transformed vision into action—and AeroDefCon 2025 stands as living proof. The message to the world is unmistakable: Tamil Nadu is open for aerospace, open for defence, and open for the future.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
