Agilent Technologies, a global technology player in communications, electronics and chemical analysis, said on Thursday that it would increase its workforce in India to 2500 from 900 by the year 2006.

"The additional manpower will allow Agilent to accelerate research and development and shared services operations in India," an Agilent release said in New Delhi.

Agilent has its largest market in the Asia Pacific, which contributes about 41 per cent of the company's global revenue, it said.

"India's contribution to Agilent's global revenue is scaling upwards and moving with the customer base. We are increasing our presence in India," president & CEO, Agilent Technologies, Edward Barnholt, said.

Observing that India had a huge market potential in telecom and pharma space, vice president and general manager (global sourcing) Agilent Technologies, Anita Manwanni said the company was expecting an increase in high-skill work being sourced from India.