Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, on March 28, 2026. The new facility is the second international airport serving the New Delhi region. Officials say the initial phase is designed to handle about 12 million passengers annually, with capacity rising to as many as 70 million once the project is fully completed. The first phase involved roughly $1.2 billion (€1.04 billion) of investment and covers around 7,200 acres.
The government also reaffirmed an ambitious aviation expansion plan, aiming to develop 100 new airports over the coming decade. The target is to grow India’s total number of airports to between 350 and 400 by 2047, up from 163 in 2025. As part of the effort to improve connectivity, authorities plan to provide about $1.07 billion in subsidies to airlines to operate routes that are commercially unviable.
In defense procurement news, New Delhi approved about $25 billion (€21.65 billion) in acquisitions, including additional Russian-made S-400 long-range air-defense systems. The defense ministry said a council chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh cleared the approvals. For the 2025–26 financial year the ministry has approved 55 proposals worth roughly $71 billion, and capital procurement contracts signed this fiscal year total about $25 billion — a record. Planned purchases include transport aircraft, drones, upgrades for Su-30 fighters, artillery, surveillance systems and ammunition, highlighting Russia’s continued role as a major supplier even as India steps up purchases from Western countries.
On the diplomatic front, the White House described a call between Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump about the escalating Middle East crisis as a ‘productive conversation.’ The New York Times reported that Elon Musk was on the call as well, though it was not clear why he was included or whether he spoke.
The Iran–Gulf conflict has had direct consequences for Indian nationals in the region. Abu Dhabi authorities said debris from an intercepted ballistic missile struck an area near Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), injuring five Indians; officials described the injuries as ranging from moderate to minor.
In sports, Chennai Super Kings reported that veteran cricketer MS Dhoni is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain and is likely to miss the first two weeks of the 2026 Indian Premier League. Dhoni, 44, has led Chennai to five IPL titles. He played all 14 matches last season and scored 196 runs, though Chennai finished at the bottom of the 10-team table in 2025.
In Karnataka politics, lawmakers from both the ruling BJP and opposition Congress agreed that legislators should receive free IPL tickets for the season opener in Bengaluru. After discussions with cricket association officials, the deputy chief minister said two tickets would be provided to each state lawmaker. The move drew criticism from some who argued that elected representatives should not receive privileges that ordinary citizens do not get.