India Emerges as Alternative Manufacturing Hub to China for Apple, UPS and Others But Faces Hurdles in Export Strength, Job Creation

India is attracting major investments from global companies like Apple, UPS, and First Solar as they seek to diversify supply chains away from China amid geopolitical tensions.

Several Indian states like Tamil Nadu have created incentive programs and reforms to draw high-value manufacturing facilities from overseas firms.

India's large young population, rapidly growing economy, and world-leading digital infrastructure present major long-term opportunities.

But India still lags behind China substantially in areas like export competitiveness, trade bloc participation, and providing enough jobs.

If India can boost infrastructure, workforce skills, and cross-border trade, it could chart a new manufacturing-led growth path.