As the UK and India formalise a historic trade agreement, global engineering leader Rolls Royce is gearing up to strengthen its footprint in the Indian aerospace market. The UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), officially termed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), promises to reduce tariffs and unlock new avenues for industrial and technological collaboration.
In a conversation with businessline, John Kelly, Senior Vice President – Customers, Asia Pacific at Rolls Royce, shared that the FTA will simplify sourcing processes and enhance cross-border operations. But beyond cost benefits, the pact marks a strategic milestone in Rolls Royce’s evolving relationship with India’s aviation and defence ecosystem.
One of the most significant implications of the trade deal lies in its synergy with the UK–India Vision 2035, a long-term roadmap focused on collaborative innovation. According to Kelly, this alignment provides the perfect platform for Rolls Royce to pursue joint development projects in cutting-edge propulsion systems alongside Indian partners.
With over 2,000 engineers already working across its Indian operations, Rolls Royce has embedded itself deeply into the country’s talent and innovation landscape. Its Bengaluru-based teams contribute not only to civil aerospace design but also lead in analytics and data science innovation at a global level.
Looking ahead, Rolls Royce aims to double its sourcing from India within the next five years. Building on existing partnerships with HAL, Tata, Bharat Forge, and Godrej & Boyce, the company is scaling up its supplier network.
Its joint venture with HAL, International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., currently delivers over 160 aero-engine components from its Bengaluru facility. A second unit recently began operations in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, reinforcing the company’s commitment to “Make in India” and global supply chain localisation.
While Rolls Royce is still evaluating global expansion for its MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) network, Kelly clarified there are no immediate plans for an MRO unit in India. However, the company remains bullish on supporting India’s growing aviation landscape.
Its engines already power regional aircraft under India’s UDAN scheme, including Star Air’s ERJ 145s and Blue Dart’s Boeing 757-200 freighters, highlighting its integral role in enabling last-mile air connectivity.
By combining trade benefits with long-term industrial vision, Rolls Royce is positioning itself as a key player in India’s next chapter of aerospace growth, leveraging the FTA not just for economic gain but for building enduring technological partnerships.
