Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has appointed Dr. Nikhil Agarwal as an Additional Director, designated as Part-Time Non-Official (Independent) Director, for a period of three years with effect from September 9, 2026.
The appointment follows an order from the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production, dated September 9, 2026. HAL informed the stock exchanges that the appointment will remain effective for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The appointment is also subject to approval by the shareholders of the company at a General Meeting.
Dr. Nikhil Agarwal Brings Expertise in Innovation and Policy
Dr. Nikhil Agarwal is an innovation, startup and policy expert with extensive experience in advising organisations on strategic matters.
His academic qualifications include:
- MPhil from the University of Cambridge
- PhD from the University of Edinburgh
- Two decades of professional experience in strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship
Dr. Agarwal has worked with several organisations, including global companies such as Cadbury’s, FIC and Zensar of the RPG Group.
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Currently Serves as Managing Director at IIT Delhi’s FITT
Dr. Agarwal currently serves as Managing Director of the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi.
FITT works towards promoting innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration.
His experience in innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship is expected to bring additional expertise to HAL’s Board.
Founder of Entrepreneur Café Global Network
Dr. Agarwal is also the founder of Entrepreneur Café, a global entrepreneurial network.
The network has expanded across 110 cities on six continents and connects more than 45,000 entrepreneurs.
His work through the platform has focused on building entrepreneurial networks and supporting collaboration among startups, innovators and business leaders.
Appointment Made Under Ministry of Defence Order
HAL stated that the appointment has been made pursuant to the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production letter dated September 9, 2026.
Key details of the appointment include:
- Name: Dr. Nikhil Agarwal
- Designation: Additional Director – Part-Time Non-Official (Independent) Director
- Effective Date: September 9, 2026
- Tenure: Three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier
- Appointing authority: Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production
- Shareholder approval: Required at a General Meeting
No Inter-Se Relationship with Other HAL Directors
HAL stated that Dr. Agarwal is not related to any of the other directors of the company.
The company also confirmed that he has not been debarred from holding the office of director by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) or any other authority.
The disclosure regarding his appointment has been made in accordance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a leading Indian aerospace and defence company engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines and other aerospace and defence systems. The company plays a key role in supporting India’s defence aviation capabilities and strengthening indigenous aerospace manufacturing.
