Google is set to begin manufacturing its Pixel smartphones in India, according to sources familiar with the development. The tech giant plans to produce the phones at an existing Foxconn facility in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, Google will independently manufacture drones in the state.
This move aligns with the trend of global companies diversifying their supply chains outside of China due to ongoing geopolitical tensions with the West. Last year, Google announced plans to manufacture Pixel smartphones in India, starting with the Pixel 8.
“India is a priority market for Pixel smartphones, and we’re committed to bringing the best of our hardware and underlying built-in software capabilities to people across the country,” it said in a blog post.
The company emphasized India’s importance as a priority market, highlighting its commitment to delivering top-tier hardware and software capabilities to Indian consumers.
Sources told the BBC that Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, will produce advanced versions of Pixel smartphones at the Tamil Nadu facility, with manufacturing set to commence within this year. Google and Foxconn have signed a contract to facilitate this production.
Foxconn currently operates two facilities in Tamil Nadu, including one near Chennai that assembles Apple’s iPhones. Google’s decision to manufacture Pixel phones in Tamil Nadu follows recent meetings between state officials and company executives.
A statement from the Tamil Nadu government mentioned that Google representatives are also scheduled to meet with Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai soon.
