Apple is looking to expand its supplier network in India, and is currently in talks with Wipro Enterprises and Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW), according to several sources familiar with the situation.
The American iPhone manufacturer has already established partnerships or is in discussions with various Indian enterprises, including Tata Group, Motherson Group, Aequs and Bharat Forge.
“Apple is in advanced talks with Wipro Enterprises and is in preliminary talks with Lakshmi Machine Works as part of their move to de-risk their supply chain,” a source informed ET. “They are in talks with these companies to supply parts and components for their supply chain.”
Industry sources indicate that Apple’s engagement with Indian manufacturers demonstrates the technology company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in India, amid ongoing uncertainty regarding Trump’s policies.
Apple’s Eye on India
The Wipro Enterprises portfolio includes two main divisions: Wipro Infrastructure Engineering and Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting. The engineering division specialises in hydraulics, water treatment, additive manufacturing, aerospace and automation solutions.
The consumer division of Wipro Enterprises focuses on FMCG products across personal care, home care, lighting and switches segments.
LMW, based in Coimbatore, operates across various sectors including textile machinery, CNC machines, foundry and castings, and aerospace components and composites.
According to Dhruv Shekhar, senior associate at Koan Advisory Group, Apple’s strategy to strengthen ties with local suppliers like Wipro Enterprise and Lakshmi Machine Works aims to minimise supply chain risks, reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
Also Read | Turnaround from importer to exporter! India now shipping Apple product components to China & Vietnam
“Apple has been one of the lead participants in the PLI for Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM), contributing to its success by driving significant exports and production volumes,” he was quoted as saying.
Shekhar noted that Apple is expected to increase its local connections, particularly with the government considering an electronic components incentive scheme. This approach would help reduce business costs in India whilst supporting the growth of local ecosystem participants both technologically and financially.
“Beyond compliance and financial benefits, Apple’s localization strategy signals a long-term commitment to India,” he said. “By scaling its production base, Apple not only mitigates risks associated with its dependence on China but also positions India as a key node in its global supply chain.”
This initiative should be considered alongside other developments. In January, it was reported that Apple was negotiating with Pune-based Bharat Forge, a Kalyani Group company, for potential inclusion in its supply chain. Should the negotiations succeed, Bharat Forge would supply various components, including mechanical parts, to the American technology company.