Google & HP Partner to Make Laptops in India – Sundar Pichai Aims for Affordable & Secure Student Access

HP, a prominent manufacturer of personal computers and laptops, has recently entered into a strategic partnership with Alphabet’s Google. This collaboration is set to facilitate the production of Chromebook laptops within the borders of India. This joint endeavor underscores the commitment of both companies to contribute to the growth of the Indian technology sector and aligns with the broader ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The forthcoming production of these Chromebook laptops will take place at HP’s manufacturing facility located in close proximity to Chennai, situated within the state of Tamil Nadu. Notably, HP has been engaged in the manufacturing of desktops and laptops at this facility since approximately the year 2020. This manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu holds significance as it continues to contribute to the growth of the local technology manufacturing ecosystem.

Google’s collaboration with HP to manufacture Chromebook laptops in India carries several strategic advantages. Firstly, it bolsters Google’s supply capacity within the Indian market, allowing the tech giant to better cater to the increasing demand for computing devices in the region. This move also positions Google to effectively compete with Windows-based computers from industry leaders such as Dell, as it expands its footprint in the Indian consumer electronics sector.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet, expressed in a statement that the production of the first Chromebook laptop in India signifies a significant milestone. He emphasized that this development aligns with their commitment to ensuring easy access to technology for all. The manufacturing of Chromebook laptops in India is expected to play a pivotal role in improving accessibility to computing devices and fostering digital inclusion across the nation. This endeavor is in line with Alphabet’s broader mission to make technology more accessible and beneficial for everyone.

The collaboration between HP and Google to manufacture laptops in India marks a significant milestone that is poised to provide a substantial boost to the “Make in India” initiative. This partnership is yet another endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious $2 billion incentive scheme, which aims to attract tech giants to establish manufacturing operations within India’s borders. As part of this initiative, various technology companies are exploring manufacturing opportunities in India as an alternative to China, particularly in light of increasing tensions between the United States and China.

Samsung, a prominent global electronics manufacturer, has already been actively engaged in smartphone manufacturing in India. The company is now poised to further expand its operations by potentially commencing laptop production at its factory located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, starting next month. This development augments the central government’s “Make in India” program, reinforcing India’s position as an attractive destination for electronics manufacturing and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The Indian personal computer market has experienced a notable contraction, with a 15% decline recorded in the last quarter, as reported by IDC (International Data Corporation). This decrease in sales reflects various market dynamics and economic factors impacting the computer industry in India.

Despite the overall market downturn, HP has maintained its leading position in the Indian personal computer market, commanding a substantial 31% market share. Following closely, Lenovo Group Ltd secures the second spot, and Dell occupies the third position, indicating the continued presence of established global players in the Indian market.

The decline in the personal computer market can be attributed to several factors, including shifts in consumer preferences towards other computing devices such as tablets and smartphones, as well as the lingering economic impact of the global pandemic. The work-from-home trend, which had initially driven increased demand for PCs during the pandemic, may have also contributed to a temporary surge in sales that has now subsided.