American aerospace leader Boeing has confidently dismissed concerns that ongoing trade disagreements between India and the United States might negatively affect its extensive operations within the country. The company maintains that current tariff disputes have zero impact on both its commercial aviation and defense sectors in India.
Zero-Tariff Vision for Aerospace
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, emphasized that the corporation continues to view India as an essential market for future expansion and industrial collaboration. This perspective remains firm even as recent tariff actions by Washington have created uncertainty across various industries. "Aerospace and defence should be in a zero-for-zero tariff environment," Gupte stated, confirming that Boeing has actively communicated this stance to all governments involved in trade negotiations.
Boeing has established a significant manufacturing footprint across India, particularly in Hyderabad where it produces Apache helicopter fuselages and various other aerostructures. The facility also creates composite assemblies for multiple aircraft models including the 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner.
Strategic Alignment and 'Win-Win' Partnership
Gupte described Boeing's operations in India as reflecting a strategic synchronization between the industrial objectives of both nations. "Aerospace industrialisation in India is a priority not only here but also for the United States. It continues to be a win-win for both countries, even through these trade talks," he explained to Economic Times.
The company is currently intensifying its investments in local capabilities, including establishing a new pilot training facility in partnership with Air India and expanding maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations. These initiatives aim to retain more aviation expenditure within India's borders.
"Localisation of the ecosystem capabilities is a priority because only with that localisation can our airline customers grow profitably," Gupte emphasized. Boeing has additionally encouraged its international partners such as GE, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell and Pratt & Whitney to develop greater capacity within India to better serve local airline companies.
Substantial Aircraft Orders and Production Increase
Boeing has witnessed remarkable demand from Indian carriers, with Air India and Akasa Air collectively ordering 590 aircraft scheduled for delivery over the coming decade. This substantial order comes alongside significant purchases from airlines in Indonesia, Japan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar throughout this year.
Although Boeing continues to lag behind Airbus in overall order volume, its market position is strengthening. The US Federal Aviation Administration has approved increasing production from 38 to 42 aircraft monthly, enabling faster deliveries to Indian customers.
A senior government official affirmed that "there is no restriction on any Indian company doing more business with any American company," highlighting the durability of defense and aviation collaborations between India and the United States.
Praveen Iyer, Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, expressed confidence in the ongoing partnership, stating the airline anticipates a consistent aircraft supply. Government officials noted that substantial Indian orders for American aircraft and engines help reduce the trade surplus that India maintains with Washington.
