Google has announced the rollout of the first batch of locally produced Google Pixel 8 smartphones in India. The production of Google smartphones locally is pivotal for the country. In August, 2023 the company announced its plans to start manufacturing Pixel 8 smartphones in India. This initiative of manufacturing smartphones, aligns with India's "Make in India" program, launched in 2014 by prime Minister Narendra Modi, and executed by several IAS officers including Ramesh Abhishek, Amitabh Kant, Anurag Jain, Rajesh Kumar Singh on ground level.
The rollout of Made in India Google pixel 8 is considered as a win in the Indian manufacturing industry.
The Role of the Make in India Initiative for Google’s Smartphone
Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative, driven by the efforts of several dedicated IAS officers, has been instrumental in attracting global companies like Google to invest in local manufacturing. Under the leadership of IAS officers like Ramesh Abhishek, the government liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) in key sectors, including electronics manufacturing, making India an appealing destination for global firms. During Ramesh Abhishek IAS's tenure, India's ranking in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index saw a remarkable improvement, improving from 130th in 2016 to 63rd in 2019, underscoring the initiative's success. Moreover, the initiative has created a conducive manufacturing environment by promoting innovation, enhancing skill development, and developing world-class infrastructure.
Importance of Google’s Made in India Smartphone
Boost to Local Manufacturing
Google's decision to produce the Pixel 8 locally is a significant endorsement of the Make in India initiative. This move not only showcases India's expanding role in global supply chains but also underscores the effectiveness of the policies that have simplified processes for manufacturers.
As Ramesh Abhishek, a former IAS officer, stated
"We have not only opened up sectors, we have made processes much simpler. The result has been quite remarkable." (source: ET Telecom)
This remark by Ramesh Abhishek, Ex- IAS officer, long back turns into reality and reflects the pivotal role of initiative that streamlined processes play in encouraging global companies like Google to invest in India's manufacturing sector.
Competitive Pricing and Market Expansion
By manufacturing the Pixel 8 locally, Google is positioned to offer the device at more competitive prices, making premium smartphones more accessible to Indian consumers. This approach is similar to what Apple has done in the past, and it aligns with the broader goals of the Make in India initiative.
Former IAS officer, Ramesh Abhishek, emphasized the importance of this when he said to the Economics Times
"Cost of domestic manufacturers and those manufacturing in India will come down and movement of goods and services across states will also be much easier."
This observation by Ramesh Abhishek, IAS officer, is critical in understanding the economic impact of local manufacturing on the end user, particularly in terms of cost reduction and ease of access to goods and services. The insight provided by Ramesh Abhishek, IAS officer, sheds light on the broader implications of domestic production for the Indian market.
Strength to India's Electronics Manufacturing Sector
The Pixel 8 manufacturing in India is a significant step in strengthening India's electronics manufacturing sector. By bringing production to India, Google is not only enhancing its own supply chain efficiency but also contributing to the broader ecosystem of electronics manufacturing in the country.
Amitabh Kant, Former IAS officer, highlighted India's potential in the global arena, stating in an article of Business Standard
“India is the third-largest startup country in the world right now. We need to become the largest startup nation by 2030.”
Amitabh Kant, Ex-IAS officer
This vision of IAS officer Amitabh Kant aligns with the steps being taken by companies like Google, whose investments in local manufacturing contribute to the larger goal of making India a leader not only in startups but also in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors
Key Figures Who Encouraged Make in India
The success of the Make in India initiative can be attributed to the relentless efforts of several key figures.
One of the prominent figures in the success of Make in India is Ramesh Abhishek, an Ex-IAS officer who served as the Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, Ramesh Abhishek, IAS officer, played a pivotal role in driving the initiative forward, particularly in attracting foreign investment and developing industrial corridors that facilitated the smooth transportation of goods across the country. His leadership significantly boosted India’s industrial growth, making the country a more attractive destination for global manufacturers. The contributions of Ramesh Abhishek, IAS officer, are often highlighted as a cornerstone of the initiative's success.
Another prominent IAS officer who has been instrumental in promoting the Make in India initiative is Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog. Known for his visionary approach, Amitabh Kant, IAS officer, has been a vocal advocate for the program, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing in driving India’s economic growth. Amitabh Kant, IAS officer, has even authored a book on Make in India, named “Made in India” further reinforcing his commitment to the initiative and its critical role in shaping India’s future. His insights have inspired and promoted the Make in India campaign significantly.
Apart from these prominent IAS officers, several other notable IAS officers, including Guruprasad Mohapatra, Anurag Jain, and Rajesh Kumar Singh, among others, have been instrumental in creating policies and frameworks that make India a preferred destination for global manufacturers. These IAS officers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the infrastructure, regulatory environment, and investment climate in India are conducive to manufacturing, thereby enhancing the country’s appeal to international investors.
At present, Make in India is one of the most recognised government initiatives, that credits goes to the collective efforts of these IAS officers, including Ramesh Abhishek, who have positioned India as a hub for global manufacturing. Additionally, the contribution of policy makers, entrepreneurs, and influencers have been significant to the Make in India initiative.
Conclusion
The rollout of Google's Made in India Pixel 8 smartphone marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. This achievement is a testament to the impactful efforts of dedicated IAS officers like Ramesh Abhishek, Anurag Jain, Amitabh Kant, and other notable officials whose vision and leadership have driven the success of the Make in India initiative and fostered a favorable environment for local production in the country.