Google could be preparing for a major shift in where it makes its devices, with India emerging as a key manufacturing hub. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Google may move a large part of its device production, including Pixel smartphones, from China to India for exports. The government is also in talks with Apple to expand its manufacturing operations in India beyond iPhones. If these plans move ahead, India could play an even bigger role in the global supply chains of some of the world’s biggest technology companies. Google may move more Pixel production to India Google started assembling its Pixel 8 smartphones in India in 2023. The company has since been working with Indian electronics manufacturer Dixon Technologies to assemble Pixel devices in the country. Now, Google could take this a step further by making India an important export base for its devices. Reports suggest the company could gradually reduce and potentially end Pixel production in China by 2027. The reported plan could see the manufacturing of not only Pixel phones but also products such as Pixel smartwatches and wireless earbuds move from China to India and Vietnam. Google has not officially confirmed the reported China production exit yet. However, Vaishnav said the government remains in regular discussions with the company and expects India to manufacture a significant share of Google’s devices for global markets.
Apple could make more products in India Apple has been manufacturing iPhones in India since 2017. Its manufacturing network has expanded significantly through partnerships with companies including Tata Group and Foxconn. India is now becoming an important export base for Apple. A growing share of iPhones made in the country is being shipped to international markets, including the US. The government now wants Apple to expand beyond iPhone manufacturing. According to Vaishnav, discussions are underway with Apple about producing other Apple products and devices in India, although specific products and timelines have not been confirmed. India wants to make phones and their components The government’s larger goal is to build a stronger electronics manufacturing ecosystem in India, rather than simply assembling products using components imported from other countries. To support this, the government has approved a new ₹62,500-crore scheme for mobile phone manufacturers. The programme is expected to run from 2027 to 2031. The earlier production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme ended on March 31, 2026. Under the new programme, the government wants companies to increase the production of both finished devices and components in India. Why this matters for India If Google and Apple continue expanding production in India, the country could become a bigger manufacturing and export centre for global technology companies. For India, this could mean more electronics production, stronger local supply chains and greater manufacturing capabilities. For companies such as Google and Apple, India offers an alternative production base as they look to diversify their supply chains beyond China.
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