Rolls-Royce has announced plans to significantly expand its presence in India, positioning the country as a strategic home market across defence, civil aviation and energy. The move aligns with India's Viksit Bharat vision and the government's push for greater self-reliance in critical sectors.
The company is currently exploring opportunities that include the potential co-development of a next-generation 120 kN combat jet engine, along with partnerships to localise and manufacture engines for the Indian Army, Navy and Coast Guard. It is also assessing power solutions for critical infrastructure and industrial applications.
If realised, these programmes could support around 10,000 jobs across Rolls-Royce and its partner ecosystem in India, more than doubling the current workforce linked to the company's operations. Rolls-Royce also expects a ten-fold increase in supply chain sourcing from India, a shift that could benefit a wide network of small and medium enterprises.
Chief Executive Officer Tufan Erginbilgic met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss how Rolls-Royce's technologies could support India's national security, energy resilience and industrial growth. The company has expressed its intention to contribute to India's Atmanirbhar journey by developing indigenous propulsion capabilities, expanding local manufacturing and strengthening global supply chain integration.
Tufan Erginbilgic with PM Narendra Modi and Sashi Mukundan
Rolls-Royce already has a significant footprint in India. More than 1,400 of its engines power defence platforms including Jaguar combat aircraft, Hawk trainers, Arjun Main Battle Tanks and several Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels. It also provides mission-readiness support for MTU engines and works with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to support in-service aero engines.
Over 4,000 people are currently part of the Rolls-Royce ecosystem in India, including 2,800 engineers contributing to global programmes. Its industrial presence includes joint ventures with HAL and Force Motors, as well as sourcing partnerships with more than 100 vendors such as Tata, Bharat Forge, Godrej and Azad Engineering.
The company recently expanded its Global Capability and Innovation Centre in Bengaluru, which supports digital, engineering and enterprise functions for its civil aerospace and defence businesses. Meanwhile, its International Aerospace Manufacturing Private Limited joint venture operates facilities in Bengaluru and Hosur, manufacturing high-precision aero-engine components for global markets.
