China's tighter rare earth export controls are disrupting Apple's plan to expand manufacturing in India as Dixon Technologies solidifies its status as the local largest mobile phone manufacturer by shipments.
China's rare earth export curbs disrupt Foxconn's AirPods production in India
Production of Apple's AirPods at Foxconn's Telangana factory has encountered supply disruptions due to China's tightening grip on rare earth element exports, particularly dysprosium—an essential component used in high-performance magnets inside AirPods. The shortage reflects the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on global tech supply chains.
Synopsys strengthens India's role with push for world's first AI-based chip foundry
Synopsys is central to India's semiconductor ambitions, partnering with Tata Electronics on an AI-based foundry in Dholera. It supports design, manufacturing, startups, and academia while developing AI-driven EDA workflows with Microsoft. The company's deep India footprint underscores its long-term commitment to shaping the country's chip innovation landscape.
India, UK sign landmark FTA, set to boost agricultural, engineering, and tech exports
India and the UK have finalized a historic FTA, a move hailed by senior Indian leaders as a major stride toward strengthening bilateral trade ties. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah lauded the agreement on X (Twitter), calling it a "landmark in global trade" and a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "people-centric trade diplomacy." The pact is expected to open new market access across sectors, including agriculture, marine products, engineering, electronics, software, chemicals, and automobiles.
Dixon revenue soars on EMS, mobile strength as India gains manufacturing tailwind
On July 22, Dixon Technologies reported strong financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, driven largely by its fast-growing Mobile and Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) division. The company posted a net income of INR2.25 billion (approx. US$26.06 million), marking a 68% year-over-year increase, while revenue surged 95% to INR128.4 billion for the three-month period ending June 2025.
The company's strong fiscal first-quarter results were led by a 125% year-over-year surge in mobile phone revenues to INR116.63 billion (US$1.36 billion). With nearly 9.66 million smartphones shipped, the company solidified its position as India's top domestic handset maker while accelerating its push into export markets.
Meanwhile, Dixon Technologies has decided to pause plans to enter bare PCB manufacturing, citing limited financial upside despite government incentives. During its fiscal first-quarter 2025 earnings call, the company stated that it will instead focus on PCB assembly and high-growth segments, such as industrial and automotive, aligning with its long-term strategic priorities.
Qualcomm targets India for smart glasses expansion
Qualcomm Technologies showcased its latest spatial computing innovations during the Snapdragon for India – XR Day event held on July 21, 2025, in New Delhi, reaffirming its confidence in smart glasses as the next major consumer tech platform. With a focus on India's tech-savvy population and booming 5G ecosystem, Qualcomm aims to lead the XR revolution in the region.
Apple maintains momentum in India as smartphone market rebounds in 2Q25
Apple held its ground in India's recovering smartphone market in the second quarter of 2025, ranking sixth overall. The iPhone 16 series accounted for over half of its shipments, while continued demand for older models helped Apple navigate a competitive landscape and weak organic demand across the industry.
India's Reliance expects clean energy gigafactories to go live within six quarters, starting green hydrogen and battery production
Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, expects its much-anticipated clean energy gigafactories in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to become operational over the next four to six quarters.
Article edited by Joseph Chen
