Vikram Rai, Chief Executive Officer of GE Aerospace for South Asia, is set to participate in the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where he will discuss India's growing aerospace capabilities and the industry's role in building a more resilient global aviation sector.
Rai is scheduled to speak on October 22 at a session titled “Powering India's Ascent: Building Aerospace Capability for a Resilient World.” His participation comes at a time when India is seeking to expand its aviation infrastructure, strengthen industrial capabilities and deepen its position in the global aerospace supply chain.
With nearly two decades of experience in civil aviation, Rai has held several senior positions in the industry and played a role in expanding GE Aerospace's commercial presence across South Asia.
Who Is Vikram Rai?
Vikram Rai is the CEO of GE Aerospace for South Asia, a position he assumed in July 2023. His responsibilities include expanding the company's business in India and neighbouring markets, developing strategic partnerships and strengthening its commercial footprint in the region.
Rai joined GE Aerospace in 2012 and subsequently took on a series of leadership responsibilities. From 2017, he led the company's commercial engines business for South Asia, overseeing an important segment of its regional operations.
His work has involved building relationships with airlines and other industry stakeholders. Under his leadership, the company secured two of the world's largest engine orders from local airlines, strengthening its presence in India's commercial aviation market.
Before joining GE Aerospace, Rai worked at Rolls-Royce as general manager for South Asia, where he was responsible for regional business development. Earlier in his career, he gained experience at HBE-Aviosec, a start-up operating in the airports and broadcasting sector.
His professional achievements received recognition in 2021, when he was included in The Economic Times' 40 Under Forty list of business leaders.
Rai holds a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering and lives in New Delhi with his family.
GE Aerospace's Role in India's Aviation Industry
GE Aerospace is a major participant in the global aviation industry, supplying aircraft engines and related technologies. Its operations in India and South Asia are connected to the growing demand for air travel, the expansion of airline fleets and the development of aviation infrastructure.
India's aviation market has expanded significantly as passenger demand has increased and airlines have placed orders for new aircraft. This growth has created opportunities for engine manufacturers, maintenance providers, engineering companies and suppliers across the aviation ecosystem.
However, expanding the sector also presents challenges. Airlines need reliable engines, efficient maintenance services and dependable supply chains to keep aircraft operating safely and minimise disruptions.
Developing domestic engineering expertise and strengthening cooperation between international manufacturers and Indian companies will remain important as the country's aviation industry grows.
What Will Vikram Rai Discuss at the Summit?
Rai's session at the 2026 summit is expected to focus on building aerospace capabilities and strengthening the industry's resilience. The discussion is particularly relevant as India seeks to increase its role in advanced manufacturing and global technology networks.
Aerospace capability involves more than aircraft production. It includes engineering expertise, engine technology, maintenance and repair services, skilled workers, research and development, and partnerships between manufacturers and suppliers.
Strengthening these areas could help India participate more extensively in international aerospace supply chains while supporting the long-term development of its aviation industry.
The summit, scheduled for October 22 and 23 in New Delhi, will bring together leaders from government, business, diplomacy, technology and other fields. Its broader theme, “A World Between Orders,” examines changes in global economic and political relationships and their implications for the future.
Rai's participation will bring an industry perspective to discussions about India's economic ambitions, technological development and role in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
As passenger demand and aircraft requirements continue to shape the aviation market, the development of reliable aerospace capabilities will be an important consideration for India's long-term industrial growth.
