Michael Dell, founder of the world's biggest personal computer maker, said yesterday that Dell Computer would double its workforce in India to 20,000 over the next three years.

The announcement marked the latest expansion of the US group's ambitions on the sub-continent, which, along with China, is viewed as an important source of growth.

Dell, which employs 10,000 people in India - mostly in call centres and other business support roles - had previously aimed to expand its staff there to 15,000.

"There is a fantastic opportunity to attract talent," said Mr Dell, indicating the company would focus on attracting engineers.

An expanded presence could help Dell capture more market share in India, which accounts for 4 per cent of overall PC sales.

Kevin Rollins, chief executive, told the Financial Times this month that attracting talented overseas employees was a priority for the computer giant as it pursues a goal of $80 billion (€65 billion) in annual revenues.

Dell, which has announced plans to build a new computer factory in India, has also been investing in call centres to take advantage of the country's large population of fluent English speakers.

Unlike some other manufacturers, which long ago shifted the bulk of their production overseas, Dell has maintained a strong manufacturing presence in the US.

Shares in Dell rose 1.6 per cent to $29.53 in early New York trading yesterday. - (Financial Times service)