India becomes strategic market for Rolls-Royce, CEO confirms

Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Officer Tufan Erginbilgic said the company aims to develop India as a “home market,” highlighting the country’s growing role in the British manufacturer’s global strategy. His remarks came during his visit to India this week as part of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s industry delegation, following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

“We have deep ambitions to develop India as a home for Rolls-Royce, building on our strong and successful partnership,” Erginbilgic said, as per media reports. He added that the company’s technologies across “air, land and sea applications” would support India’s progress towards its development goals.

The visit follows the recent inauguration of Rolls-Royce’s expanded Global Capability and Innovation Centre in India. According to Reuters, the facility is set to become the company’s largest capability hub worldwide. It brings together digital, engineering and enterprise teams serving its Civil Aerospace and Defence divisions. Rolls-Royce has also announced plans to double its supply chain sourcing from India by 2030.

Prime Minister Starmer said Rolls-Royce’s commitment to India aligns with the UK’s economic agenda. “Rolls-Royce is a symbol of British excellence, and their commitment to growing in India supports our Plan for Change – driving economic growth at home, creating jobs, and strengthening UK-India ties,” he said.

The Financial Times reported that the company’s strategy matches India’s priorities of building self-reliance in defence and energy, while expanding advanced connectivity infrastructure. Rolls-Royce supplies aero engines and has longstanding partnerships in marine and energy segments.

Rolls-Royce has operated in India for more than nine decades. The company stated that it intends to use this base of people, partnerships and products to support the country’s long-term goals.

In its latest annual results, Rolls-Royce reported underlying revenue of £17.8 billion and operating profit of £2.46 billion for fiscal year 2024. The company is currently in the midst of a multi-year restructuring programme under Erginbilgic aimed at improving profitability and competitiveness.