Srinivas C, Head of Manufacturing at Nokia India, recently stated that as the company strengthens its business presence in India, the country is poised to become a major global manufacturing hub for 6G radio equipment. He noted that Nokia operates its largest global facility in Chennai, which has been running for over 17 years, and pioneered the manufacturing of 3G, 4G, and 5G equipment in India, with over 40% of its products currently exported to global markets.
Srinivas emphasized, "Looking ahead, as we continue to build a robust and growing local ecosystem, India will become a primary global manufacturing hub for 6G radio equipment, leveraging artificial intelligence to further enhance our quality and efficiency." He added that India holds a central position in Nokia's global strategy, serving both as a market and a manufacturing powerhouse.
Discussing India's structural advantages, Srinivas pointed out that the Indian government has created a supportive policy environment through various schemes and export promotion measures, including a mature electronics manufacturing ecosystem comprising established industrial parks, skilled labor, and strong academic institutions. Government-led skill development programs help bridge talent gaps, while regulators provide accessible support.
Srinivas said, "The growing local supply chain reflects India's strategic push towards self-reliance. In the future, reducing import dependence and promoting localized manufacturing will be key to achieving true self-sufficiency and strengthening India's position in the global supply chain." He also mentioned that as localization deepens, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) are becoming vital components of supply chain resilience and agility.
Regarding how to accelerate India's transformation into a global telecom equipment export hub, Srinivas stated that freight, inventory, and productivity are crucial for telecom manufacturing. He said, "We need to prioritize enhancing regional supplier capabilities and strengthening the domestic electronic component manufacturing ecosystem, particularly for semiconductors, printed circuit boards, and passive components." Streamlining logistics infrastructure, reducing delivery times for critical imports, and investing in skilled workforce development are equally important. These measures collectively will drive India toward achieving its goal of becoming the preferred global destination for telecom equipment.
