Made In India: UK’s Nothing Commits $100 Million For Smartphone Manufacturing Through JV

UK-based consumer tech brand Nothing has announced a $100 million joint venture to manufacture smartphones in India, marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy. The move aligns with India’s growing prominence as a manufacturing hub and supports the government’s Make in India initiative aimed at boosting domestic electronics production.

 

The joint venture will be established in partnership with local stakeholders, with operations expected to commence in early 2026. The investment will be directed toward setting up advanced manufacturing facilities, supply chain integration, and workforce development.

 

Key highlights from the announcement:

 

- Nothing to invest $100 million in a joint venture for smartphone production in India  

- Manufacturing to begin in 2026, targeting both domestic and export markets  

- Facilities will be equipped for assembly, testing, and packaging of Nothing’s flagship devices  

- The JV will create over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs across engineering, logistics, and retail  

- Local sourcing and component partnerships will be prioritized to reduce import dependency  

 

Strategic Context And Market Impact

 

India’s smartphone market is projected to exceed 1 billion active users by 2026, making it a critical geography for global brands. Nothing’s decision to localize production is expected to improve cost efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance brand visibility.

 

The move also positions Nothing to compete more aggressively with established players by offering India-assembled devices with competitive pricing and faster availability. Analysts view the venture as a strategic response to rising tariffs and supply chain disruptions in other regions.

 

Sources: Business Standard Tech Desk, Economic Times Electronics Brief, India Cellular & Electronics Association, Nothing Corporate Announcements.