Google could expand its device manufacturing operations in India as the country emerges as a major alternative to China for global electronics production. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Google may manufacture a significant share of its devices in India for export to international markets.
The development could strengthen India's position in the global electronics supply chain. The government is also holding discussions with Apple to encourage the company to manufacture more products in India beyond the iPhone.
Google Expands Pixel Manufacturing
Google began assembling Pixel 8 smartphones in India in 2023 and has since expanded its partnership with Indian electronics manufacturer Dixon Technologies.
The company is now reportedly considering a much larger role for India in its global manufacturing network. Reports indicate that Google could gradually reduce its Pixel production in China, with the shift potentially extending to other devices such as Pixel smartwatches and wireless earbuds.
Some production could also move to Vietnam as Google diversifies its manufacturing operations.
Google has not officially confirmed plans to completely exit Pixel production from China. However, Vaishnaw said the government is regularly engaging with the company and expects India to manufacture a substantial portion of Google's devices for global markets.
Apple May Make More Products
Apple is another major technology company expanding its manufacturing presence in India.
The company has manufactured iPhones in India since 2017, with its production network growing through partnerships with Foxconn and the Tata Group. India has increasingly become an export base for iPhones, with a significant portion of locally produced devices shipped to overseas markets, including the US.
The government is now seeking to expand Apple's manufacturing footprint beyond iPhones.
According to Vaishnaw, discussions are underway with Apple regarding the production of additional Apple products and devices in India. However, the government has not disclosed which products could be manufactured or when such production could begin.
₹62,500 Crore Electronics Scheme
The Centre is also seeking to develop a deeper electronics manufacturing ecosystem rather than relying primarily on assembling imported components.
To support this objective, the government has approved a ₹62,500-crore scheme for mobile phone manufacturers, which is expected to operate from 2027 to 2031.
The new programme follows the earlier production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which ended on March 31, 2026. The government wants the next phase of incentives to encourage companies to increase both finished-device production and component manufacturing in India.
India Eyes Global Export Hub
The potential expansion by Google and Apple comes as India attempts to strengthen its position as a global electronics manufacturing and export centre.
For India, increased production by major technology companies could create opportunities for local suppliers, expand manufacturing capabilities and strengthen domestic electronics supply chains.
For global companies, India provides another major manufacturing base as they diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China.
If the reported plans progress, India's role could increasingly move beyond assembling smartphones to manufacturing a wider range of technology products and components for international markets.
