New Delhi: Swedish telecom giant Ericsson has announced plans to manufacture all its telecom equipment sold in India — including next-generation 6G technology — within the country. The move aligns with India’s growing push for localisation under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and marks a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward becoming a global telecom manufacturing hub.

Speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, Andres Vicente, Head of Market Area Southeast Asia, Oceania and India at Ericsson, confirmed the company’s intent to fully indigenise its operations in India.

“Our intention is to manufacture in India everything we sell in India,” Vicente told PTI, emphasising that Ericsson is committed to deepening its presence and technological footprint in the Indian market.

6G trials expected by 2028

Ericsson, which has been a key player in India’s 4G and 5G ecosystem, is already gearing up for the next big leap — 6G technology. Vicente stated that the company plans to begin 6G trials by 2028, with commercial deployment likely to follow a few years later.

“We expect to start 6G trials around 2028. The commercial rollout will take some more time as global standards and ecosystems evolve,” he added.

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already initiated groundwork for indigenous 6G development, aiming for early adoption of the technology in the 2030s. Ericsson’s local manufacturing commitment is expected to support these national objectives by bringing advanced R&D and production capabilities to India.

Strengthening India’s telecom manufacturing ecosystem

Ericsson’s decision is seen as a major boost to the Indian telecom manufacturing landscape, which has gained momentum following the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom and networking products.

The company already operates a manufacturing facility in Pune through its partnership with Flex, where it produces 4G and 5G radio equipment. The new strategy aims to expand these operations to include a full suite of products — from core network systems to 6G-enabled infrastructure — designed and built within India.

Industry experts believe this localisation move will not only strengthen India’s self-reliance in telecom hardware but also create high-skilled jobs and attract foreign investments in allied sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and R&D.

India a key market for Ericsson

Ericsson has maintained a strong presence in India for over 120 years and continues to view it as one of its largest and fastest-growing markets globally. The company has played a pivotal role in India’s digital transformation, partnering with major telecom operators such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio to deploy 5G networks across the country.

“India is an incredibly important market for us — both in terms of innovation and scale. We see India as not just a customer base but as a centre of global excellence for telecom technology,” Vicente said.

The company’s R&D centre in Chennai and its Global Service Centre in Gurugram already serve as key nodes for Ericsson’s international operations, supporting multiple markets across Asia and Africa.

Aligning with India’s digital growth vision

Ericsson’s expansion of local manufacturing aligns closely with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Digital India, both of which aim to strengthen the country’s capabilities in advanced technologies.

Government officials at IMC 2025 hailed Ericsson’s announcement as a validation of India’s growing significance in the global telecom landscape. They noted that localised production of cutting-edge equipment such as 6G-ready radios and network infrastructure would help reduce dependency on imports while ensuring technology security.

Looking ahead: India’s role in the global 6G race

With Ericsson’s announcement, India is set to play a more active role in the global race to develop 6G technology. The company’s plans could help accelerate domestic testing and standardisation efforts, ensuring that India contributes to global 6G standards rather than merely adopting them.

“India’s role in shaping global telecom evolution is becoming increasingly influential. Local manufacturing of 6G gear will ensure that India is not just a consumer but also a key contributor to the future of connectivity,” said an industry analyst attending the conference.

As the world prepares for the next wave of digital transformation, Ericsson’s commitment underscores how multinational technology firms are aligning their strategies with India’s long-term vision for technological independence and innovation.