In a move mirroring Apple’s diversification strategy away from China, Google is reportedly engaged in discussions with Indian suppliers to assemble its Pixel smartphones. This development comes after reports in September hinted at Google’s plans to shift some of its Pixel production to India.
According to Bloomberg, the tech giant has initiated talks with prominent domestic firms such as Lava International, Dixon Technologies India, and Bharat FIH (the Indian unit of Foxconn Technology Group). These suppliers have received approval for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s production-linked financial incentives (PLI) program, which aims to boost local manufacturing. By embracing production in India, Google aims to reduce its reliance on China and capitalize on the advantages offered by the Make in India initiative.
The discussions between Google and Indian suppliers gain significance following a meeting between India’s Minister for Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. During the meeting, the two leaders purportedly explored the potential of manufacturing Google devices in India, with the aim of strengthening the company’s presence in the country’s manufacturing sector.
Apple has already expanded its supplier base and iPhone manufacturing in India, taking advantage of the PLI initiatives. If the ongoing talks materialize, Google will join the ranks of renowned brands like Apple, Samsung, and OPPO, which have chosen India as a manufacturing hub. Such a move by Google would not only bolster employment opportunities but also enhance India’s position in the electronics manufacturing domain.
Further details regarding this development are expected to surface in the forthcoming weeks, shedding more light on Google’s plans for local assembly of its Pixel smartphones.
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