India is emerging as a player in the global aerospace and defense (A&D) sector, with industry leaders highlighting its growing importance in areas of competencies, sustainability, disruptive technology. This was emphasized during the “India at the Core: Shaping the Future of Global A&D Sourcing” session at the Invest Karnataka, event where executives from global aerospace companies shared their plans for expanded engagement with India.
India’s position in this market was strengthened in 2023 when it placed the largest number of aircraft orders globally, demonstrating its increasing strategic importance in the sector.
Airbus, represented by Michel Narchi, Head of International Operations, emphasized the need for private sector initiative beyond government action, advocating for proactive contributions to the aerospace ecosystem. Similarly, Rolls-Royce, through Senior Vice-President Huw Morgan, announced plans to double their regional sourcing over the next five years, building on their established presence in India. Collins Aerospace‘s vice-president of Engineering, Savyasachi Srinivas, pointed out that India’s R&D investment lags behind other countries.
The long-term outlook for the industry appears robust, according to Srinivasan Dwarakanath, director general of the Aerospace India Association. He cited forecasts from both Boeing and Airbus projecting a demand for more than 42,000 new aircraft over the next two decades. This substantial future demand, combined with India’s recent large aircraft orders, is expected to create significant opportunities in the global supply chain.
The combination of major aircraft orders, increased sourcing commitments from international companies, and the potential for growth in the global supply chain positions India as an increasingly important player in the aerospace industry.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
