Global internet giant Alphabet Inc.’s Google declared on Thursday that it will start producing its flagship Pixel smartphones lineup in India, referring to the country as a key market. As part of the Made in India campaign, the firm has stated that it will begin producing the Pixel 8 in India, with the devices being released in 2024.

During the #GoogleForIndia event in New Delhi, Rick Osterloh, Head of Devices & Services at Google, stated that “India is a priority market for Pixel.”

“We shared plans at GoogleForIndia to manufacture Pixel smartphones locally and expect the first devices to roll out in 2024. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in India’s digital growth- appreciate the support for Make In India,” Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google and Alphabet, said in an X post.

Google is following in the footsteps of other well-known international IT giants such as Apple with this move. For example, Cupertino-based Apple used this initiative to grow its network of Indian suppliers and boost iPhone production to over $7 billion in the fiscal year that ends in March 2023.

Samsung Electronics Co., a South Korean company, produces its Galaxy smartphones in India, while Xiaomi, a Chinese Android vendor, has relationships with regional assemblers.

May saw talks between Google CEO Sundar Pichai and India’s Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the company’s Mountain View, California headquarters. They allegedly discussed India’s government-backed drive for technology improvements and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effort to assist regional industry.

According to a recent analysis by Counterpoint Research, owing to significant investment from original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and component and part suppliers, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest hub for the manufacturing of mobile phones.

As per Counterpoint Research, India is anticipated to export over 22% of its assembled mobile phone production in 2023. According to recent government and industry figures, India recorded mobile phone exports worth $5.5 billion (more than Rs 45,000 crore) during the April–August period of the current fiscal year (FY24), which is encouraging news for the “Make in India” campaign.

India’s mobile phone exports are expected to exceed Rs 1,20,000 crore in the current fiscal year, with Apple controlling more than 50% of the market in FY24.