New Delhi: Apple has expanded its supply chain in India to include nearly 45 companies, marking a significant shift in its global manufacturing strategy. The move comes as the company reduces reliance on Chinese suppliers amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and policy restrictions.
The list of Indian and joint venture partners now includes Tata Electronics, Aequs, Jabil, Microplastics, ATL, Salcomp, Foxlink, Motherson, Bharat Forge, Wipro PARI, Hindalco, Avary, SFO Technologies, Titan Engineering & Automation, and VVDN, among others. Together, these firms have created around 350,000 jobs, of which 120,000 are direct, according to officials. Many of these companies are expected to participate in the government’s next production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at component manufacturing.
Apple’s growing network in India has become central to its manufacturing operations, with one in five iPhones now produced in the country. Between FY22 and FY25, India manufactured iPhones worth an estimated $45 billion, with exports accounting for $34 billion. Smartphone exports, led by Apple devices, have climbed to become India’s top export category, a notable jump from the 167th position in 2014–15.
Domestic value addition (DVA) in Indian smartphone manufacturing has reached 19% this year, still lower than China’s 40–45%. Policymakers see the rising local ecosystem as a milestone, especially under rules such as Press Note 3 of 2020, which requires government clearance for investments from countries sharing land borders with India.
With Apple deepening its presence, India is positioning itself as a growing hub for electronics manufacturing and exports. The shift reflects both supply chain diversification and the country’s emerging role in global technology production.
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