Greater Noida, April 16:
In a significant development for India’s electronics manufacturing sector, Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn is reportedly planning to acquire up to 300 acres of land near the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. According to a report published by The Economic Times on April 14, the move is aimed at establishing Foxconn’s first major manufacturing unit in northern India, marking a strategic shift in its India expansion plans.
The proposed facility, if finalized, is expected to surpass even the size of the company’s upcoming plant in Bengaluru, which has already been touted as Foxconn’s second-largest manufacturing base globally. Sources familiar with the matter told The Economic Times that the Uttar Pradesh government and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) are in advanced discussions with Foxconn regarding the land parcel.
The move is being viewed as a strong endorsement of the state’s potential as a future electronics hub. Greater Noida, which lies in proximity to the national capital, has seen growing interest from technology and manufacturing companies, thanks to infrastructure developments and investor-friendly policies.
Strategic Location and Investment Opportunity
The land parcel under consideration is located near the Yamuna Expressway, a key corridor connecting Greater Noida to Agra. The area is already being developed as a major industrial and electronics manufacturing zone. The proximity to the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar adds to the attractiveness of the region for global investors.
Experts say Foxconn’s entry into northern India would diversify its manufacturing base and reduce over-reliance on its existing plants in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This geographical diversification aligns with the Indian government’s larger strategy of creating multiple electronics manufacturing clusters under its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Potential Impact on Local Economy
If the deal goes through, Foxconn’s investment is expected to generate thousands of job opportunities and boost ancillary industries in the region. Industry observers believe that the new plant could cater to the growing demand for Apple products in India and support exports to international markets.
“Foxconn’s interest in Uttar Pradesh reflects India’s rising prominence in the global electronics supply chain. It also signals a growing confidence in UP’s industrial infrastructure,” said Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, in a recent interaction, though he did not confirm specific details about the project.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been aggressively promoting Uttar Pradesh as a top destination for manufacturing investments. The government’s proactive approach, combined with policies like single-window clearances and capital subsidies, has drawn major companies from across sectors in recent years.
Broader Context: Apple’s Push in India
Foxconn, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., is a key supplier for Apple Inc., assembling several flagship products including iPhones. Apple has been increasingly focusing on India as a manufacturing base, particularly in the wake of rising geopolitical tensions and China’s strict COVID-related lockdowns in previous years.
India’s smartphone exports have surged over the last year, driven in large part by Apple’s suppliers like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron ramping up local production. Establishing a facility in the northern region will further strengthen Apple’s supply chain in India and help meet domestic and global demand.
As per reports, the Greater Noida plant could also host components manufacturing units and testing labs, making it a comprehensive facility rather than just an assembly line.
Conclusion
The potential acquisition of a 300-acre land parcel near the Yamuna Expressway by Foxconn could mark a turning point for electronics manufacturing in northern India. While the deal is yet to be officially confirmed, it is being seen as a major vote of confidence in the region’s industrial prospects and India’s manufacturing ambitions.
Source: The Economic Times, April 14, 2025.
