In an era when global supply chains and high-tech manufacturing are undergoing seismic shifts, India is rapidly positioning itself as a strategic destination for electronics production. Recognising this momentum, the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AmCham India) established the Electronics Manufacturing Committee (EMC) to champion policies, engagement and investment that will help India become a global hub for electronics systems design and manufacturing (ESDM).
Why the Committee Matters
The committee serves as a critical platform for dialogue between U.S. industry stakeholders, global electronics players and the Indian Government. At its core: support for flagship initiatives such as India’s National Policy on Electronics 2019 and the broader “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” agendas.
The committee’s work includes:
- Identifying policy bottlenecks and regulatory constraints for electronics manufacturing in India.
- Submitting representations and advocacy documents on key issues such as import-licensing, local value-add requirements, tax and tariff regimes, standards and certification delays.
- Facilitating industry-government engagement at senior levels, thereby forging stronger links between U.S. multinational firms, Indian SMEs and government bodies.
Focus Areas: From Policy to Practice
Among the committee’s recurring focus items:
- The definition and application of “localisation” under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programmes and how such definitions affect investment decisions and global value-chain participation.
- Certification and standards delays (e.g., for telecom, IT hardware and test infrastructure) which can stall production and exports.
- Supply chain integration and resilience: supporting the development of India’s electronic component ecosystem so that manufacturing is not just assembly-oriented, but deep and robust.
- Ease of doing business improvements: reducing lead-times, clarifying import/trade frameworks and engaging on regulatory clarity.
Leadership and Industry Engagement
The committee is chaired by industry leaders from leading global firms. For example, Mr Gurpreet Singh Brar (Vice President, HP India) serves as Chairman, while Mr Naveen Tandon (Head, Policy & Strategy, Apple India) serves as Co-Chairman.
This composition underscores the strong linkage between U.S. investment interests and India’s electronics manufacturing ambitions.
Impacts & Opportunities
By bringing U.S. industry voice into policy discussions in India, the EMC helps shape a more predictable and globally aligned investment environment. For instance, the committee’s representation to India’s Department of Commerce regarding import-management system (IMS) implementation highlighted potential supply-chain disruptions for U.S. manufacturers and advocated for dialogue and clarity.
For companies seeking to participate in India’s PLI schemes, or looking to establish design-and-manufacture operations in India, the committee offers a valuable advocacy channel—and a source of insight into evolving policy landscapes.
The Road Ahead
As India aims to scale up its electronics ecosystem—from chip design to component manufacturing and smart devices—the role of platforms like the EMC becomes increasingly important. For U.S. firms and global manufacturers, alignment with India’s strategic focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat and integration into global value chains will be crucial. The committee’s ongoing focus on certification, standards, localisation, regulatory clarity and supply-chain resilience sets the tone for this next phase of growth.