Make in India: Smartphones Going Strong on Local Manufacturing

By Zia Askari | TelecomDrive.com

The government of India has got a clear priority towards making India – a hot destination when it comes to manufacturing of smartphones.

This dream can fast become a reality if there is sufficient encouragement given to locally enable smartphone ecosystem needed for manufacturing.  

The ‘government will’ to become a strong catalyst in encouraging manufacturing of smartphones is clearly getting reflected in the way government is framing broad policies to attract global biggies to actively look at India as their favorite destination for manufacturing of smartphones.

Besides providing better incentives to global organizations setting up local manufacturing units in India - this is creating win-win situation for companies from China as well as India.

Sky Li-VP, OPPO & MD of International Mobile Business & President of OPPO India says that local manufacturing in India has become more convenient as the country’s current policies are easing the entire process of manufacturing and selling in India.

“We as a brand want to respond to consumer demands faster, locally produce products and customize it basis the demands and trends. Along with manufacturing opportunities, we also get employment opportunities to the country,” he explains.

With the recent introduction of its stylish smart devices – India’s very own Smartron is an organization that is quite bullish about the long term potential of India’s manufacturing power.

Mahesh Lingareddy, Founder & Chairman, Smartron says, "Smartron as a first true technology OEM brand, we see local manufacturing in India just getting started. It would take a strong and sustained product and investment ecosystem over the next 10 years to close gap with China. As an India based OEM, it would be more convenient, efficient and productive to have our products manufactured locally. After all, who wouldn’t desire not having to travel to China or Korea or Taiwan," he adds.

Advantage India?

Sky Li from OPPO says that the Indian government has been encouraging companies to start manufacturing electronics goods within the country instead of importing them and had approved a National Policy on Electronics. “Since then, various smartphone manufacturers have said they will start manufacturing in India or have already started doing so. With various programs like a Make in India initiative and reduced taxes, the Indian Govt can ease the process of doing business,” he adds.

Mahesh from Smartron explains that a true manufacturing ecosystem will only happen with a strong product ecosystem. “I don’t think we are doing enough there. Right now, lot of focus is in creating jobs than value. Companies are doing bare minimum necessary to take advantage of government tax incentives,” he adds.

Talking about the company’s strategy for India, Sky Li from OPPO says that the company’s strategy towards the smartphone industry has been steadily gaining ground in recent years.

“India is a developing market with significant growth still to be found in the sector. As a company, our endeavor has always been to bring the best products and excellent camera experience to our consumers. The great camera experience and high built-quality has enabled our brand to stand out in global markets, and this will continue to be one of our core advantages in the coming future as well. We aim to be one of best premium mobile brands here in India. OPPO keeps doing various researches to come up with innovative products,” he explained.

Smartron is founded with a vision to build India’s first premier technology OEM brand that is focused on innovation, design, engineering, products and platforms for India and the world.

“As a true OEM brand, we don’t own any manufacturing. We work with variety of manufacturing partners to manufacture our products while we focus on design and engineering, marketing, sales, services and care. We have couple of partners manufacturing couple of our products locally. We are trying to encourage and support local manufacturing ecosystem. We still have ways to go in terms of capabilities and capacity.” Mahesh explains.