India has a unique chance to combine its engineering expertise with high-quality manufacturing to develop the most innovative products for the future, according to Boeing India President Salil Gupte. Speaking at a symposium organized by the India Foundation for Quality Management, Gupte highlighted India’s growing role in the global supply chain and its potential to advance in value-added sectors.
“We have tremendous opportunities across industries like automotive, industrial systems, and defense,” Gupte stated. He emphasized that while India has long been known for its engineering and design strength, the country’s recent advancements in manufacturing quality—especially over the past decade—position it to create cutting-edge products.
Using Boeing as an example, Gupte praised the performance of Indian suppliers, noting that “It’s supply chain significantly outperforms the global average in terms of quality.” He encouraged Indian companies, particularly in the aerospace sector, to move beyond basic components and assemblies and venture into high-value areas like avionics and engine manufacturing.
“This is where the real value lies, and India must seize this opportunity as supply chains diversify globally,” he urged. Reflecting on Boeing’s growth in India, Gupte shared that the company’s workforce has expanded from 1,500 to 7,000 employees in just five years, and its annual sourcing from India has increased to ₹10,000 crore. “India must continue to rise in the global supply chain, and now is the time to act,” Gupte concluded.
Boeing India is a key player in the aerospace and defense sector, contributing significantly to both civil aviation and defense projects in the country. With a growing workforce of over 7,000 employees, Boeing India supports various initiatives, from manufacturing to engineering services.
The company collaborates with Indian suppliers, helping to build a robust aerospace supply chain by sourcing components and systems locally. Boeing India’s supply chain has seen significant growth, with sourcing from India crossing ₹10,000 crore annually. The company focuses on innovation, leveraging India’s engineering talent to create advanced, high-quality products while aiming to further integrate Indian suppliers into the global aerospace value chain.
