---
title: "Drone Rules, 2021 — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Drone Rules, 2021 are Indian regulations that liberalised unmanned aircraft operations, aiming to make India a global drone hub by 2030."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/drone-rules-2021"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Drone Rules, 2021 are Indian regulations notified under the Aircraft Act, 1934, that liberalised the certification, registration and operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
- Under which statute were the Drone Rules, 2021 notified, and which ministry issued them?
- What are the airspace zones under the Drone Rules, 2021?
- How are drones classified by weight under the Rules?
- How did the 2021 Rules liberalise the earlier regime?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Drone Rules, 2021 are Indian regulations notified under the Aircraft Act, 1934, that liberalised the certification, registration and operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

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## Timeline

1. 25 August 2021

   The Drone Rules, 2021 were notified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on , superseding the more restrictive Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021 that h…

2. 9 February 2022

   The government simultaneously notified a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components (with an allocation of ₹120 crore over thre…

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In December 2023 the Government of India launched the Namo Drone Didi scheme under the Drone Rules, 2021 framework, providing drones to 15,000 women-led self-help groups for renting to farmers for fertiliser spraying.

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