Apple has initiated discussions with Bharat Forge, part of the Kalyani Group, to potentially include the company as one of its suppliers in India, according to a report by ETTelecom.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Bharat Forge could manufacture components, including mechanical parts, for the tech giant if talks progress successfully.
“Apple is looking to collaborate with leading Indian firms, and discussions have begun with Bharat Forge, based in Pune, Maharashtra,” said a source quoted in the report.
Expanding Apple’s Indian Ecosystem
Apple has been expanding its supplier network in India over the last two years, aiming to enhance local value addition as part of its strategy to diversify manufacturing operations beyond China.
The company currently operates three iPhone assembly plants in India, with the largest facility run by Foxconn in Tamil Nadu. The other two assembly units are managed by Tata Group in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The report also notes that Apple has attracted suppliers from China, Japan, and Taiwan to establish operations in India, including:
- Sunwoda: Produces battery packs.
- Foxlink: Specializes in cables.
- Aequs: Provides enclosures.
- Salcomp: One of Apple’s earliest partners in India, now expanding its portfolio to include coils, power packs, and magnetics.
Bharat Forge’s Expertise
Bharat Forge, a significant Indian manufacturer with nearly 5,000 employees, operates in multiple industries such as forging, automotive, energy, aerospace, and defense. Led by Baba Kalyani, the company is recognized for its advanced engineering capabilities and global outreach through its subsidiaries.
Battery Production and Emerging Suppliers
Among Apple’s significant global suppliers is Amperex Technology Ltd (ATL), which is set to begin battery cell production at a 180-acre facility in Manesar, Haryana.
Meanwhile, other companies like the Motherson Group are exploring entry into Apple’s supply chain through collaborations with partners like Hong Kong-based BIEL Crystal Manufactory.
Boosting Local Value Addition
As per the report, Apple has steadily increased its local value addition in India, reaching up to 20% for various iPhone models. This marks significant progress from the initial 5–8% when the company began manufacturing in India under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in 2020. In 2024, Apple’s production in India was valued at $17.5 billion, with record exports of $12.8 billion.
Future Outlook
Experts believe Apple is now focusing on expanding partnerships with Indian suppliers, particularly for iPhone enclosures. Over the next year, more local vendors are expected to join its network, complementing existing operations like Tata Group’s unit in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.