Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Rolls-Royce CEO as the brand unveils plans of Expansion in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tufan Erginbilgic, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce, in New Delhi on 11 February 2026, as the British engineering group outlined plans to expand its footprint across defence, civil aviation and energy in India.

The discussions focused on deepening engineering and manufacturing partnerships, strengthening innovation capabilities and increasing local sourcing. A central element of the roadmap is a proposal to co-develop a next-generation fighter jet engine for India, with full transfer of intellectual property rights, a move that would mark a significant shift in international defence collaboration.

Rolls-Royce said it intends to double its workforce in India to approximately 10,000 employees over time, expand its domestic supply chain and position the country as a global hub for advanced engineering and high-value manufacturing. The strategy aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen domestic industrial and aerospace capabilities.

In a statement following the meeting, Modi welcomed the company’s plans to scale up operations and partner with India’s engineering talent. Rolls-Royce said Erginbilgic highlighted ambitions to grow its Global Capability Centre in India into the company’s largest worldwide facility, focused on complex manufacturing and advanced engineering development.

The company recently expanded its Global Capability and Innovation Centre in Bengaluru, which supports its civil aerospace, defence and power systems businesses. Rolls-Royce has described India as a potential “home market”, underpinned by long-term investments in skills development, local partnerships and supply chain integration.

The proposed aero-engine collaboration is expected to support India’s domestic combat aircraft programme while strengthening industrial ties between the two countries. If finalised, it would represent one of the most extensive technology transfers offered by a global aerospace manufacturer.

The announcement underscores India’s growing role in the global aerospace and defence supply chain, as multinational engineering companies increasingly position the country not only as a sales market but as a base for advanced manufacturing and innovation.