Find and Work with Suppliers in India

Find top suppliers in India across all industries, reduce costs, and simplify your sourcing
Capital
New Delhi
Official Language
Hindi and English
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Ethnicity
Indo-Aryan(~72%)
Dravidian(~25%)
Mongoloid & Other Ethnic Groups(3%)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30

Strengths of Soucing from India

Fast-Growing Economy

Since 1991, India’s economic reforms have fueled rapid growth in IT, manufacturing, and software development. Now the world’s 6th largest economy, India offers businesses a stable and expanding environment for investment and sourcing opportunities.

Largest Workforce & Domestic Market

India, the world’s most populous country, provides an abundant, young workforce (average age 28) for production. Its growing middle class creates strong domestic demand, making India a dual opportunity for sourcing and market expansion.

Competitive Labor Costs

India has some of the world’s lowest labor costs—82% lower than China, 70% lower than Thailand—making it ideal for labor-intensive industries like textiles and apparel. Natural resource availability further reduces production expenses.

Emerging Manufacturing Hub

India excels in diverse industries like textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and auto components. Cities such as Noida and Bangalore are high-tech manufacturing hubs, attracting major investments from global brands like Apple and Samsung.

Learn India's Key Export Categories and Regions

India is one of the world's largest textile and garment producers, with exports reaching $34.4 billion in FY 2023-24. The country excels in cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers, with key textile hubs specializing in various types of manufacturing.
Key Regions
Tiruppur, Surat, Mumbai
Major Companies
H&M and Marks & Spencer
India is a global leader in generic medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients, with a strong international presence, exporting to over 200 countries.
Key Regions
Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune
Major Companies
Pfizer, Novartis, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
India's automotive sector is among the largest globally, with exports reaching $21.2 billion in 2023. Known for high-quality components like engines, transmissions, and electronics, the industry thrives on strong domestic demand and growing global exports.
Key Regions
Chennai, Pune, Gurgaon
Major Companies
Ford, Hyundai, Tata Motors, and BMW
India is emerging as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, driven by government incentives like the PLI scheme. The industry produces consumer electronics, mobile phones, and components, with exports reaching $29.12 billion in FY 2023-24.
Key Regions
Bangalore, Noida, Chennai
Major Companies
Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi
India processes around 90% of the world’s small diamonds, specializing in cutting, polishing, and design. The sector contributes 7.5% of GDP, with diamond exports reaching $18.2 billion in 2023, making India the world's largest diamond exporter.
Key Regions
Surat, Mumbai

India vs. Other Sourcing Hubs

Factor
🇮🇳
India
🇻🇳
Vietnam
🇨🇳
China
🇲🇽
Mexico
Costs
$1.50 – $2.50
Low labor costs, but higher logistics expenses
$2.50 – $3.50
Lower labor costs than China, but increasing
$6.50 – $8.00
Rising wages and tariffs for US buyers
$4.80 – $6.50 
Moderate to high labor costs, but lower tariffs for US buyers
Supply Chain Stability
Fragmented supply chain, logistical inefficiencies
Developing infrastructure, reliance on imports for raw materials
Well-developed infrastructure, but trade tensions and restrictions add risk
Strong for USMCA-covered industries, resilient despite political changes
Shipping Times
Long
(6+ weeks for US buyers)
Medium
(4-5 weeks for US buyers)
Longer
(3-6 weeks for US buyers)
Short
 (1-3 weeks for US buyers)
Quality
Good for textiles, jewelry, and handcrafted goods
Good for textiles, furniture, and mid-range electronics
High for electronics, textiles, and complex manufacturing
High for automotive, aerospace, and industrial goods
Risks
Bureaucracy, inconsistent quality control, and logistics challenges
Infrastructure limitations, labor shortages in some regions
Trade restrictions, rising costs, government regulations
Political changes, labor costs, infrastructure limitations in some areas

Challenges & Risks

Port Congestion & Shipping Delays

01.

Nhava Sheva and Chennai ports face congestion, leading to longer customs clearance and shipment delays.

02.

Slow customs clearance processes cause unpredictable lead times, increasing logistics costs for businesses.

Inconsistent Road & Rail Networks

01.

Poor infrastructure in rural areas leads to slow transportation and supply chain disruptions.

02.

High freight costs from inefficient logistics increase overall sourcing expenses and delivery delays.

Variability in Manufacturing Standards

01.

Small suppliers often lack strict quality controls, leading to inconsistent product standards.

02.

Fluctuations in raw material quality can result in defects and unreliable final products.

Need for Strong Supplier Oversight

01.

Regular inspections and audits are necessary to maintain product quality and consistency.

02.

Detailed QC agreements help ensure reliable production standards across multiple orders.

Diverse State-Specific Regulations

01.

Tax and labor laws vary by state, creating legal and operational complexities for businesses.

02.

Industries like chemicals and textiles face strict environmental and safety compliance requirements.

Lengthy Bureaucratic Processes

01.

Import/export procedures require extensive paperwork, leading to administrative delays.

02.

Legal expertise is essential to navigate evolving regulations and avoid compliance issues.

Trade Policies

BILATERAL
Bilateral and Free Trade Agreements
01.
Expands trade access through agreements with ASEAN, UAE, Japan, and Australia, lowering tariffs on exports.
02.
Negotiates key FTAs like the UK-India and EU-India deals to secure tariff reductions and investment incentives.
03.
Strengthens global partnerships by leveraging ASEAN and regional FTAs to boost trade with Japan and South Korea.
PRODUCTION
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
01.
Provides cash incentives (4-6%) to manufacturers, reducing production costs and boosting domestic output.
02.
Attracts foreign investment by making India more cost-effective for companies like Apple and Samsung.
03.
Reduces import reliance by promoting local semiconductor, battery, and medical device manufacturing.
FOREIGN
Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)
01.
Streamlines export procedures by reducing paperwork and regulations, accelerating trade and boosting exports to $2 trillion by 2030.
02.
Facilitates e-commerce exports by enabling small businesses to sell globally through platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
03.
Expands market reach by negotiating lower tariffs and promoting trade in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Brands That Successfully Manufacture in India

Apple
Apple manufactures iPhones in India through partners like Foxconn and Pegatron, benefiting from the PLI scheme. India is now a key hub for Apple's global supply chain.
Established
2017
Location
Chennai, Karnataka (Foxconn, Pegatron, Wistron)
Hyundai
Hyundai’s India plant is a major export hub, shipping cars to over 85 countries. The company produces popular models like the Creta and i20.
Established
1996
Location
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Adidas
Adidas sources footwear and apparel from Indian suppliers, leveraging India’s skilled workforce and cost-effective production for global and domestic markets.
Established
2000
Location
Multiple locations across India
Bosch
Bosch manufactures automotive components, power tools, and industrial technology in India. The company has made India a key R&D and production hub, exporting to global markets while catering to India’s growing automotive sector.
Established
1951
Location
Bengaluru, Karnataka; Nashik, Maharashtra; Jaipur, Rajasthan

Key Statistics on India’s Manufacturing Boom

Step-by-Step Guide
The Benefits and Challenges of Sourcing from India
Read blog

The Future of India Manufacturing

Growth in Electronics Manufacturing
India is emerging as a key electronics manufacturing hub, driven by the PLI scheme and investments from Apple, Samsung, and Foxconn. With expanding production, the sector is projected to reach $500 billion by 2030, boosting exports and reducing import dependence.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Green Manufacturing
With rising EV adoption and government incentives, India is ramping up EV production, battery manufacturing, and green technologies. There are growing domestic demand, and investments from major automakers like Suzuki and Hyundai.
Strengthening Supply Chain Infrastructure
The government is improving industrial corridors, highways, and port infrastructure to streamline manufacturing logistics. The National Logistics Policy (NLP) aims to cut logistics costs, making India more competitive for global supply chains and boosting manufacturing efficiency.
AI and Automation in Manufacturing
India’s manufacturing sector is embracing AI and automation, turning factories into smart factories with predictive maintenance, optimized production, and improved quality control. Backed by Make in India and Industry 4.0, AI-driven manufacturing is set for significant growth, with major expansion expected by 2028.

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