Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh on March 28, 2026. The new airport is the second international facility serving the New Delhi area and is expected to handle about 12 million passengers a year in its initial phase and as many as 70 million once fully operational. Authorities said roughly $1.2 billion (€1.04 billion) was invested in the first phase, and the project spans some 7,200 acres.
The government has announced plans to develop 100 new airports over the next decade, aiming to increase the total number of airports to between 350 and 400 by 2047, up from 163 in 2025. Officials also plan to provide about $1.07 billion in subsidies to airlines to operate commercially unviable routes.
Separately, India approved defense procurements worth about $25 billion (€21.65 billion), including additional Russian-made S-400 long-range air defense systems. The defense ministry said a council led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh cleared the approvals. So far in the 2025–26 financial year the ministry has cleared 55 proposals worth $71 billion, with capital procurement contracts worth $25 billion signed this fiscal year — a record. Planned acquisitions include transport aircraft, drones, upgrades to Su-30 fighter jets, artillery, surveillance systems and ammunition, underscoring Russia’s continuing role as a key supplier even as India increases purchases from Western countries.
On diplomatic developments, the White House said Modi had a “productive conversation” with US President Donald Trump about the escalating Middle East crisis. The New York Times reported that Elon Musk joined the phone call, though it was unclear why he was included or whether he spoke.
The Iran–Gulf conflict has had spillover effects for Indian nationals: Abu Dhabi authorities said debris from an intercepted ballistic missile struck an area near Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), injuring five Indians; injuries were described as ranging from moderate to minor.
In sports news, Chennai Super Kings said 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 and played all 14 matches last season, scoring 196 runs, though Chennai finished last in 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 talks 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 said elected representatives should not receive privileges denied to ordinary citizens.