New Delhi, February 12 (IANS). Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce said on Thursday that it wants to expand its business in India. The company plans to expand its work to new programs and partnerships in the defence, civil aviation and energy sectors.
The company is exploring possibilities of co-development of next generation fighter aircraft engines. Also, it is considering manufacturing engines for the Indian Army, Navy and Coast Guard in India itself. Apart from this, there is also a plan to provide power solutions for important infrastructure and industries.
These plans could double the number of employees working with Rolls-Royce and its partners in India to around 10,000.
The company said that as India modernizes its military force, Rolls-Royce and the UK government have proposed to jointly develop a 120 kN capacity fighter jet engine. This could be a faster way for India to produce indigenous (made in the country) next generation engines.
Rolls-Royce said that under this co-development, India will get complete technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) rights. For this, a special facility for design and manufacturing will also be created in India, which will create a large number of employment opportunities.
The company has estimated that it can increase purchases from India for its supply chain by 10 times, which will benefit small and medium industries (MSMEs).
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic said the company wants to partner in India’s ‘self-reliant’ journey. It is committed to developing engine technology in the country, powering critical infrastructure and enhancing local manufacturing.
He said that as the company increases its participation in India’s defence, aviation and energy programs, it will also strengthen its network here, as it has done in other countries.
According to the company, more than 1,400 Rolls-Royce engines are currently in use in various defense platforms in India. These include Jaguar fighter aircraft and Hawk trainers of the Indian Air Force and Navy, Arjun tanks of the Army and several ships and submarines of the Navy and Coast Guard.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the CEO of Rolls-Royce. The Prime Minister said the government welcomes the company’s enthusiasm to expand its work in India and partner with the country’s youth.
–IANS
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