Google has instructed suppliers to commence production of its Pixel smartphones in India by the earliest next quarter, emphasising the US-based tech titan’s commitment to expanding its supply chain beyond China and tapping into the flourishing Indian smartphone market, the media has reported. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, which quoted a source familiar with the matter, Google’s supply chain strategy aligns with its ambitious goal of shipping over 10 million Pixel phones this year.

This target comes after the company hit a similar shipment volume for the first time in 2023, despite facing a global economic downturn.

Multiple sources familiar with the plan have revealed that Google intends to initiate production of its high-end Pixel 8 Pro in the southern region of India in the upcoming weeks, with phone rollout scheduled for the April-June quarter. Subsequently, production of the Pixel 8 will commence in the northern part of the country around the middle of this year, the report further noted.

To recall, earlier in October last year, Google followed in the footsteps of tech giants Apple and Samsung by announcing its plans to produce its latest smartphones within the country. The announcemeny was made during the 9th edition of the annual Google for India event in the presence of India’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Speaking about the development, Rick Osterloh, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services at Google, had said that the inaugural “Made in India” Pixel phones are slated for release in 2024.

Google also said it was actively collaborating with both domestic and international partners to realise this manufacturing initiative. While specific partner names were officially not disclosed by Google, it has been reported that the company has engaged in discussions with prominent Indian suppliers, including homegrown handset company Lava International Ltd, Dixon Technologies India and Bharat FIH, the Indian subsidiary of Foxconn Technology Group which is the biggest contract manufacturer of Apple iPhones.