N Chandra, RC Bhargava on BAE Systems’ India advisory board

New Delhi: BAE Systems has announced the appointment of two eminent Indian personalities on its new India advisory board.  The appointments of RC Bhargava, chairman Maruti Suzuki and Naresh Chandra, formerly ambassador of India to the United States, cabinet secretary, senior advisor to the prime minister, and governor of Gujarat, reflect the increasing strategic importance of India to BAE Systems as one of the company's Home markets, the company said.

A company statement said that India now joins the United States, Sweden, South Africa, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Australia as its seventh home market. 'Home markets,' according to the company, are the strategic focus of the company's business where there is considerable company presence and capability, or a clear commitment to develop that 'home' presence.

The formation of the advisory board, accordingly, will enhance the company's ability to execute its home market strategy in India. 

Dick Olver, chairman, BAE Systems, said during his current visit to India, ''We recognize the aspirations and clear intent of the Government of India to develop the country's indigenous defence industry. BAE Systems, which has had a successful 60 year history in India, providing products and support to the armed services, has committed itself to support India's policy objectives by investing in and developing its industrial presence in India. Making India our seventh home market means we are committed to investing in and developing long term partnerships, to creating and nurturing capabilities in India for product design and development, manufacture, and skills enhancement and we wish to build our ability to export from India to other markets.''

Olver continued, ''I am delighted to welcome two such knowledgeable heavyweights onto our India Advisory Board.  Their strategic advice to the company will surely be invaluable, as we chart a path to build a multi-sector Indian business covering the land, air, sea, and security domains.''

The company said it would appoint more members to the BAE Systems India advisory board in due course.