Yes… airlines within India would prefer to have their own citizens at the controls of their aircraft… and why not? Airlines within India are on a major expansion mode at this time with large orders from Boeing and Airbus. The carriers within India have more airplanes on their property than qualified captains to fly their equipment.
Naturally, any company wants a return on their investment. Their investments do not make money sitting on the ground. Let’s face it, leasing companies want their due without delay or interruption.
At the end of the day, there is really no conundrum here. There are not enough qualified pilots to fly their new shiny aircraft. So enter the expat, not only in India, but look at China, Korea, Africa, and the Mideast.
The expat is not out to replace the citizens within these countries. Expats fulfill a need for airlines, not only in India but in many countries too. Expats will be phased out, not by the DGCA, but by the airlines once they have pilots from within their own countries qualified to assume command.
Let’s face it… with the DGCA’s ridiculous assisted takeoff and landing list, outdated exams, arduous requirements for the locals to become pilots, the services of the expat is not going to diminish for the foreseeable future. It would be great if the masses within India could stand up to the DGCA and tell them to $hit in their hats and demand immediate reform.
By the way... expats were a big part of commercial aviation within the EU during the past 8 years too.