Google Plans Manufacturing of Pixel Smartphones in India
Google’s plan to assemble Pixel smartphones in India comes as the company joins other major tech firms betting on the country for device manufacturing,
Tech Giant’s Latest Move to Tap into South Asian Market
In a significant development, Google has announced plans to start assembling its Pixel smartphone lineup in India. This move is part of the company’s efforts to tap into the growing demand for smartphones in the country and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of "Make-in-India" and "Digital India".
A Key Oversee Market for Google
As stated by Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services at Google, India is a key overseas market for the company. With over 1 billion users in the country, India accounts for a significant share of Google’s user base across various services, including Android, Google Search, and YouTube.
Google’s Commitment to India
Google has committed to investing over $10 billion in India over the next few years. This investment is part of the company’s efforts to expand its presence in the country and contribute to India’s growth story. The company has recently partnered with HP to manufacture Chromebook laptops in India, marking a significant step towards localizing production.
Partnering for Local Manufacturing
While announcing the decision to start assembling Pixel smartphones in India, Osterloh mentioned that Google is partnering with international and domestic companies to produce the devices locally. However, he refused to disclose the names of these partners, citing confidentiality agreements.
A Major Win for Prime Minister Modi’s Government
The announcement of Google’s plans to assemble Pixel smartphones in India is a significant win for Prime Minister Modi’s government. The government has been actively courting global companies to set up manufacturing operations in the country, offering financial incentives worth billions of dollars. Apple, which began locally assembling iPhones a few years ago, now manufactures its latest models in India.
India’s Growing Mobile Manufacturing Sector
The Indian government’s efforts have paid off, with mobile manufacturing becoming a significant sector in the country. According to IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, India has seen close to $44 billion in mobile manufacturing and exports of mobile phones worth over $11 billion. This growth is generating huge employment opportunities in the country.
A Strategic Move to Reduce Reliance on China
Google’s decision to assemble Pixel smartphones in India comes at a time when many companies are looking to reduce their reliance on China for manufacturing. The Indian government has been actively courting global companies to set up operations in the country, offering financial incentives and policy support.
A Long Journey Ahead
As stated by Osterloh, Google’s decision to start assembling Pixel smartphones in India is an early step towards expanding its device production capacity in the country. The company aims to meet the growing demand for Pixel devices in India and contribute to the country’s growth story.
India’s EMS Industry at the Cusp of Robust Growth
According to Macquarie analysts, India’s Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry is at the cusp of robust medium-term growth. The company estimates that over 670 companies could drive incremental revenue of $455 billion and generate 6.3 million jobs in the country.
Google’s Commitment to Improving Customer Service
In addition to assembling Pixel smartphones in India, Google has also committed to improving its customer service experience in the country. The company has partnered with F1 Info Solutions to set up 28 service centers across 27 cities in India.
A Long Journey Ahead for Google in India
As Google embarks on this new journey of assembling Pixel smartphones in India, it remains to be seen how successful the company will be in meeting the growing demand for its devices in the country. However, with the government’s support and Google’s commitment to investing in the country, there is a strong possibility that the company will achieve significant success in the Indian market.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to assemble Pixel smartphones in India marks a significant step towards expanding its presence in the country. With the government’s support and Google’s commitment to investing in the country, there are high hopes for the company’s success in the Indian market. As Osterloh aptly put it, "This is an early step towards a long journey ahead."
